The scientific method involve a

series of steps that are used to

investigate a natural occurrence

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 Step 5 Step 6

Let’s take a closer look at these

steps and the terminology you will

need to understand before you begin

a science project

SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Observation Ask

Question Make a

Hypothesis Experiment

Record and analyze data

Draw Conclusion

Share Results

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OBSERVATION

Scientific method starts when you make an

observation about something that interests

you. It could be anything that you are curious

about to find answers. Example: Why are some plants taller than the others?

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RESEARCH & ASK QUESTION 1 “What if …”

“When I …” “How do …”

Once you have made the observation, you

must formulate a question about what you

have observed: How, What, When, Who,

Which, Why or Where? Example: Why does oil float on top of water and does not mix?

MAKE A HYPOTHESIS 2

A hypothesis is a statement that uses a few

observations, without any experimental

evidence to define why something happens.

Predict a possible answer to the question.

“If _____ Then ____ will happen”

Example: If oil is lighter than water, then oil will always float on water.

“I think this happens because …”

PERFORM EXPERIMENT 3

Prove your hypothesis right or wrong by

conducting a series of tests. Repeat the

experiment a number of times to make sure

the first results weren’t an accident.

Example: Try different types of oils and water

“Let’s test my hypothesis”

RECORD AND ANALYZE DATA 4

Once the experiment is complete, collect your

measurements and analyze the data to see if

your hypothesis is correct. Include tables,

graphs and photographs.

“Was my hypothesis right?”

DRAW CONCLUSIONS 5

AH HA!

Prove your hypothesis right or wrong by

conducting a series of tests. Repeat the

experiment a number of times to make sure

the first results weren’t an accident.

“Experiments show my hypothesis was …”

Example: My experiment showed that oil indeed floats on water.

SHARE RESULTS 6

Be prepared to present the science project to

an audience. Expect questions and be ready

to present your demonstration and results.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD REVIEW

1 2 3 4 5 6

AH HA!

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SCIENTIFIC METHOD REVIEW

Observation Ask

Question Make a

Hypothesis Experiment

Record and analyze data

Draw Conclusion

Share Results

1 2 3 4 5 6 0

AH HA!

WRITING A GOOD HYPOTHESIS

• Question comes first

• Hypothesis is a statement, not a question

• Hypothesis can be a prediction

• Make it clear – no more than 2 or 3 lines

• Make sure the hypothesis is testable

• Could be based on your research or previous experience

HYPOTHESIS EXAMPLES

Question

How does acid rain affect plant growth?

Hypothesis

Acid rain causes plants to grow more slowly.

“If a plant is watered with only acid rain, then the plant will grow at half its

normal rate.”

HYPOTHESIS EXAMPLES

Question

Why does meat kept outside spoils faster than when kept in the refrigerator?

Hypothesis

Room temperature causes the food to spoil faster.

“If meat is kept at room temperature, then it will spoil faster than meat kept

in the refrigerator.”

HYPOTHESIS EXAMPLES

Question

Do plants grown from seeds in light grow taller than plants grown from seeds in the dark?

Hypothesis

Plant growth will be greater for plants grown from seeds in light than in dark.

“If a plant is grown from seeds in light, it will grow taller than plants grown from seeds in the dark.”

OBSERVATIONS: Flies land on meat that is left uncovered. Later, maggots appear on the meat.

HYPOTHESIS: If meat is left uncovered, then flies land on meat and cause maggots to appear on the meat.

PROCEDURE

Manipulated Variables: gauze covering that keeps flies away from meat

Uncovered jars Covered jars

Several days pass

Maggots appear No maggots appear

Responding Variable: whether maggots appear

CONCLUSION: Maggots form only when flies come in contact with meat. Spontaneous

generation of maggots did not occur.

Controlled Variables: jars, type of meat, location, temperature, time

Observe the world and think about a question

that you will try to answer using the scientific

method.