The Scientific Method

The Steps

What is the Scientific Method?

Logical steps for making a discovery

The Steps…

Step 1

Problem or Question• Scientists begin with a question about something they are curious about or a problem that needs solving.

Step 2

Research or Observation After posing a question, scientists gather

related information about the topic.

Step 3

Hypothesis• A possible

explanation for

observations that

relate to the

scientific question

(an educated guess)

If this is compared to that then this will happen.

Step 4

Design and Conduct an Experiment• Scientists then create an experiment that is

designed to test their hypothesis

• Then DO IT!

Step 5

Analyze Data• Scientists then look at the data they collected and “make-sense” of it. Usually this is done by making graphs.

Step 6

Conclusion• Is the hypothesis correct or incorrect?

Step 7

Publish• The experiment is published and the information is shared with others!

Ask Question

Do Background Research

Construct Hypothesis

Analyze Results

Experiment

Draw a Conclusion

Hypothesis is True Hypothesis is False

Publish Results

Think!

Try Again