This document provides definitions and steps for scientific concepts including observation, interpretation, hypothesis, experiment, classification, concept mapping, analogy, and generalization. Observation is something detected by senses or instruments, while interpretation is a possible explanation. A hypothesis interprets observations, which can be tested through experimentation by varying one condition while keeping others constant. Classification organizes data into groups based on common features. Concept mapping uses a diagram of circles and lines to show relationships between ideas. Analogies compare new concepts to familiar things to aid understanding. Generalizations draw conclusions about broad categories based on multiple examples.

2.  Ask a Question
 Do Background Research
 Construct a Hypothesis
 Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an
Experiment
 Analyze Your Data and Draw a
Conclusion
 Communicate Your Results

4. An observation is something
that can be made with our
senses or with instruments.
An interpretation is a possible
explanation of an observation.

5.  Think about the definitions of observation
and interpretation.
 Divide the information given into small
pieces.
 Apply the definitions of observation and
interpretation.
 Look at the conditions in which
observations and interpretations were
made. Decide whether the observations
were made carefully and interpretations
are reasonable.

6.  Is to break down information and then
determine how the parts relate to each
other and to the whole.
 It helps to develop an understanding of
how things work.

7.  Decide on the overall purpose of the
subject.
 Break it down into parts.
 Review by explaining it in your own
words.

8.  A hypothesis is an interpretation of
observations.
 After making observations, analyzing
and collecting data, by using the
imagination or knowledge, we can state
a explanation of the observations.
 A hypothesis which is not consistent with
the data must be rejected or changed.

9.  Collect all the data that appear to be
related to the problem.
 Organize the information and look for
patterns.
 Make a list of explanations of the
observations. Identify as many
explanations as you can.
 Choose the explanation that is most
consistent with all the available data. If two
or more explanations seem to fit wit data,
collect more data to decide.

10.  Is to make groups and subgroups of data
or objects according to common
features or characteristics between
them.
 When classifying you must have in
account the purpose of doing it so it
would make it easier to find and use
data.

11.  Decide what your purpose is for
classifying.
 Study the characteristics of the things to
be classified. Decide on useful criteria
for classifying.
 Go through the items, and place them in
the appropriate groups.
 Decide if subgroups would be useful. If
so, use the same process again.

12.  Is a way to express ideas and concepts
as words or phrases enclosed in circles
connected by lines and one or two
words that describe the connection.
 Each main idea is linked to more specific
concepts and examples.

13.  Identify the main idea and concept.
 Place the main idea at the top of the
map and enclose it. Draw lines to
connect the main idea to the concepts,
and enclose them too.
 Add linking words or phrases that explain
the relationship between the concepts.

14.  An experiment is designed to test a
hypothesis by investigating the effects of
an experimental variable.
 Only one variable is analyzed in one
experiment. All other variables are kept
constant.
 An experiment has two parts: The
experimental setup and the control
setup.

15.  Follow the procedure for stating a
hypothesis.
 Determine the variable you want to test.
 Set up an experiment to test your
hypothesis.
 Devise an experimental setup and a
control setup.

16.  Is to compare the new idea to
something familiar.
 Analogies are used to make models
 Reasoning by analogies uses the skills of
comparing and contrasting.
 It helps you understand new ideas.

17.  Look at the new concept or information,
and think about its parts and its function.
 Think about something familiar for you
that seems to be similar.
 Try out each analogy. Identify the one
that has the most similarities.
 Compare and contrast your analogy
with the new concept. See how far you
can take the analogy.

18.  Is to draw conclusions about a broad
category of things based on a number
of experiences.
 Generalizations enable you to make
predictions.
 Generalizations may be the starting point
for developing a hypothesis.

19.  Collect all the related examples you can
find of the situation you are studying.
 Analyze the examples and note patterns
or similar parts.
 Make all the generalizations you can
about the examples.
 List the significant exceptions to the
generalizations you have made.