The Steps of the Scientific Method

If it looks like a duck, and sounds like a duck…

Then it must be a duck!OR DOES IT?

Making Observations

• Information is obtained using your senses

• Observations can lead to questions

• Questions can also arise simply by thinking about things

• Research is involved

• Questions lead to identifying problems

Forming a Hypothesis

• This is a proposed answer to the question; a PREDICTION

• The hypothesis must be testable

• The hypothesis is written as an IF; THEN; BECAUSE statement

Testing the Hypothesis

• Experiments are performed using variables

• Manipulated variable – deliberately changed in order to create a change in another variable (often called the independent variable)

• Responding variable – responds to the change caused by the manipulated variable (called the dependent variable)

• Controlled experiment – when only 1 variable is changed at a time

Drawing Conclusions

• Data collected during an experiment must be analyzed and interpreted

• Information must be shared with others

• Was the original hypothesis supported by the results?

• If not, a new hypothesis must be formed and tested again

Develop a Theory

• If the hypothesis was supported by the results of the experiment, then scientists can develop theories

• Theories are never proven; they become stronger as facts continue to support them

• If new facts disprove a theory, the entire process begins again and the old theory must be revised or replaced by a new theory

Quick Review

What is a Scientific Theory and how does it differ from a Hypothesis?