The Scientific Method

1. The Scientific Method Definition – the scientific method is a process used to investigate, solve problems and test hypotheses. Purpose – The scientific method helps scientists ensure that the theories they test are true by testing a hypothesis with tests. It helps to solve problems.

2. The seven steps of the S.M. • State the problem • Make observations • Form a hypothesis • Design an experiment • Do the experiment • Organize your data • Draw a conclusion

3. The Problem It is important to clearly state what your problem is. A problem is a question to be considered, solved or answered. Example: Which paper towel will absorb more water?

4. Observations After we state the problem, we must make observations about the problem. A qualitative observation is an observation using your 5 senses to gain knowledge about the world around you.

5. Observations continued • Quantitative observations – making observations that include numbers – 5 plants, 22 grams, 63 millimeters

6. Inference • Using observations to make a scientific prediction.

7. Hypothesis The third step of the scientific method is to form a hypothesis. A hypothesis is a guess or explanation about the problem and can be tested in an investigation. It is an “If…then” statement.

8. Experiment The fourth and fifth steps of the scientific method are to design and do an experiment that tests our hypothesis. An experiment is a test under controlled conditions that is made to test the hypothesis.

9. Conclusion The sixth and seventh steps of the scientific method are to organize your data and draw a conclusion. A conclusion is the result or outcome of an experiment. There are two possible outcomes. Either the experiment supports the hypothesis or the experiment does not support the hypothesis.