The Scientific Method

The Basic Steps

State the problemForm a hypothesisTest the hypothesisDraw conclusions

State the problem

A problem cannot be solved if it is not identified.

Research should be done to understand the problem.

Form a hypothesis

This is a possible solution to the problem.

Test the hypothesis

Perform an experiment to determine if the hypothesis solves the problem or not.

Observations and data will be made and recorded.

Draw Conclusions

Based on the observations and data, conclusions are drawn.

Conclusions can be as simple as “yes” or “no”.

Experimental terms

Variable - factor being tested.

Control - part of experiment without the variable (used as a comparison).