THINKING LIKE A SCIENTIST

HOW GOOD SCIENCE IS CONDUCTED

•We use the Scientific Method to solve scientific problems.

STEPS IN THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

1.Make an Observation.

2.Make and Test a Hypothesis.

3.Develop a Theory.

MAKING OBSERVATIONS

•Using your senses to obtain information•Observations can lead to questions that we want answers for.

A HYPOTHESIS

•A Hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a question that arose from an observation.

•We can test a hypothesis by performing an experiment.

•When designing an experiment, you deal with variables, which are factors that can change.

• The variable that you change is called the independent variable.

• The variable that is observed or measured is the dependent variable.

Variables

• In order for the results of an experiment to be accepted, the experiment must be able to reproduce the same results no matter how many times it is repeated.

• This is why scientists are always expected to include a description of their procedures with their results.

•A Theory is a well-tested explanation for a set of observations.

• Theories are very reliable, but they leave open the possibility for modification as a result of new observations and experiments.

Theory

•A scientific law is a brief statement that summarizes the results of many observations and experiments.

• It doesn’t try to explain what it’s describing, that requires a theory.

Scientific Law