2. The Scientific Method
A series of steps that
scientists use to
answer questions and
solve problems.
3. 1. Ask a Question
• Questions identify
something you don’t
know, but want to find
out.
• We ask a question
after making many
observations.
• An observation is any
use of the senses to
gather information.
4. 2. Form a Hypothesis
• A hypothesis is a
possible explanation
or answer to your
question.
• Use what you already
know and any
observations you have
made to form your
hypothesis.
5. 3. Test the Hypothesis
• Test to determine if
your hypothesis is a
reasonable answer to
your question.
• Test only one variable
at a time
• Conduct a controlled
experiment with a
control group and an
experimental group.
• Both groups are the
same except for one
factor in the
experimental group,
called a variable.
• The experiment
determines the effect
of the variable.
6. Test the Hypothesis Cont.
• Sometimes a controlled experiment is not
possible.
• When this happens, scientists test their
hypothesis by making additional
observations or by conducting research.
• An observation is is any use of the senses to
gather information.
• Measurements are observations made with
instruments.
7. Collecting Data
• Data are any pieces of
information acquired
while testing your
hypothesis.
8. 4. Analyze the Results
• You must analyze your data and
observations to determine whether the
results of your test support the hypothesis.
Example: make tables and graphs
• Organizing numerical data into tables and
graphs makes relationships between
information easier to see.
9. 5. Draw Conclusions
• Do your results
support your
hypothesis?
• Do your results NOT
support your
hypothesis?
• Do you need more
information?
10. If the Results Don’t Support the
Hypothesis
• You should check your results or calculations for
errors.
• You may have to modify or form a new
hypothesis.
• You may need to gather more information, test
your hypothesis again, or redesign the procedure.
11. 6. Communicate Results
• Telling others what
you have learned is
how science keeps
going.
• You can write a
scientific paper
explaining your
results.
• You can make a
presentation.
12. THINK ABOUT IT
• 1. What difference does it make what
question is asked to begin your experiment?
• 2. When following the scientific method,
what is the correct procedure for
investigation?
