The Scientific Method

What is the Scientific Method?

A scientific guide to problem solving.

There are 7 steps in the Scientific Method.

(some science teachers may use a different number of steps)

1. State the question/problem

2. Gather information

3. Form a hypothesis

4. Test the hypothesis(experiment)

5. Observe

6. Record and study data

7. Conclusion

Definitions

• Hypothesis - an educated guess• Variable - things in an experiment

that can change• Control - things in an experiment

that must stay the same

• Observation - an act or instance of viewing or noting a fact or occurrence for some scientific purpose using one’s senses.– Sight– Touch– Smell– Taste– Hear

Let's say I have a problem: My car won't start. How would I use the scientific method to solve this problem? Problem: My car won’t start.Gather information: Open up the hood and have a look.Hypothesis: If I put gas in my car, it will start.Test the Hypothesis: First, I will call my friend Bill and ask for a ride to the gas station. Buy gas container. After paying for the gasoline, I will get a ride back to my car and put the gasoline in the tank. Once the gasoline is in the tank, I will attempt to restart the car.Observe: The car started on the first try. (touch, sight, hear)Study and Record Data: (your mind collects data)Conclusion: When I put gas in my car, it started.