The Scientific Method

Steps of the Scientific Method

The Scientific Method is used by all Scientists

The Scientific Method is made up of many parts called “steps”

The Scientific Method can be described as having anywhere from 5-8 steps which are sometimes given different names

Steps of the Scientific Method

Remember these 6 steps: Identify the Problem Collect Information Form a Hypothesis Design and Carry Out an

Experiment Analyze Data Draw Conclusions

STEP 1: Identify the Problem

What problem needs to be solved? What question needs to be answered?

The PROBLEM is always stated in the form of a question.

Example: Which type of soda will help radish seeds grow best?

STEP 2: Collect Information Your textbook or other resources

can provide you with information before you make a hypothesis Example: Look on the back of the

radish seed packet to get information, look online to find what type of growing conditions radishes prefer, or buy a gardening book

STEP 3: Form a Hypothesis

Use your prior knowledge and any new information you have collected

A HYPOTHESIS is a prediction or statement that can be tested Example: IF radish seeds are grown

in Hawaiian Punch, THEN they will grow tallest.

STEP 4: Design and Carry Out Experiment

Variables are what are tested in an experiment (dependent & independent)

Only one variable is changed at a time. Independent Variable: the variable that is

changed. AKA-manipulated variable; X-axis Example: The type of liquid (diet coke, sprite, etc.)

Dependent Variable: the factor being measured.AKA-responding variable; Y-axis

Example: The height of the radish plant.

STEP 4: Design and Carry Out Experiment (continued)

Constants: the variables that stay the same Example: same amount of liquid, same

amount of light, same number of seeds, etc.

Control: a sample that is treated exactly like the other experimental groups except that the independent variable is not applied to it It is under normal conditions

Example: The radish plant given water

STEP 4: Design and Carry Out Experiment (continued)

Number of Trials: to make sure that you are getting valid results, you will need to repeat the experiment several times

STEP 5: Analyze Data

Organize data by putting it into graphs, tables, and charts

Type of Liquid Plant Height (in cm)

Diet Coke 5 cm

Sprite 0 cm

Hawaiian Punch 10 cm

Water 15 cm

STEP 6: Draw Conclusions Does your data support your

hypothesis? If the data supports the hypothesis,

repeat the experiment to verify. If the data does not support the

hypothesis, change your hypothesis and try again.

Why did you get these results? What might have happened that

could affect your results?

STEP 6: Draw Conclusions

REMEMBER - There are no wrong hypothesis! There are only results that

don’t support your hypothesis

Sample Conclusion: Hawaiian Punch is the best liquid for radish growth