The Scientific Methodby A.Cloutier 2011 Sandwich High School copyright

The process of finding answers to the questions we have concerning the

matter in our world

The Scientific Method discussed here deals with seven steps

this is a process of thinking and making

observations of our world

Is there only one scientific method ?

No ! several versions exist and have varying number of steps

However…all begin with a question to be answered based on observations of the world around us

The scientific method provides an organized method for conducting an experiment and analyzing it

Steps we explore …

1. formulate a question 2. research the question 3. form a hypothesis 4. conduct an experiment 5. analyze data 6. draw conclusions 7. communicate results

Do scientist really use this method ?

Yes ! Many use the scientific method daily, but, not necessarily all the steps are needed. Much time is collecting data and analyzing it

Surprisingly business use a version of the scientific method

Businesses in the USA and other countries have adapted the steps in solving a problem to help employees and managers diagnose a problem and test ideas to solve it

Formulating a question

What needs to be solved ? What do you want to know or

explain ? Use observations you have made

and write a question down that addresses the problem or topic to investigate

Research a question Research lets us know if others have

already done an experiment and have data to share

Sometimes expanding the concept with research have us evaluate and change a variable

Ask “why should I explore this concept ?”

Hypothesis

what do you expect to happen ? predict the outcome of the

experiment the “if….and then….” statement “if” being the observations of the

problem “then” is the hoped for results

Conduct the experiment

Design a procedure to test the hypothesis see if the prediction happen

Record all data and observations in a neat and organized way (graphs or tables)

Analyze the data and observations

Is the data reliable Does it make sense Produce charts, graphs, or tables

to organize it.

Draw conclusions

Does the data and observation support the hypothesis

Might it need to be changed Does the experiments procedure

need to be re written

Communicate results

Let others know what you have learned

Make a formal LAB REPORT Could this lead to new hypothesis

or questions to learn more about if so…. You are back at step one !