Scientific Method outlines the basic steps scientists follow: (1) stating the problem of how rattlesnakes track bitten prey, (2) gathering information about rattlesnake senses, (3) hypothesizing snakes follow the scent of their venom, (4) experimentally dragging bitten and unbitten mice to observe the snake's behavior, (5) analyzing results showing snakes followed the scent trail of bitten mice, leading to the (6) conclusion that the scent of venom causes snakes to track victims.

1. Scientific Method
Basic Steps
(The Rattlesnake Experiment)
03/02/13 By W. Ribbeck

2. Definition
►Scientific method:
basic steps that
scientists follow in
uncovering facts
and solving
scientific problems

3. Basic Parts of Scientific Method
► Stating the problem
► Gathering information
► Suggesting an answer for the problem
► Performing an experiment to see whether
the suggested answer makes sense
► Recording and analyzing the results of
experiments or other observations
► Stating conclusions

4. Stating the Problem
►What invisible trail does a
rattlesnake follow in tracking down
its bitten prey?

5. Gathering Information
► A rattlesnakes eyes are only sensitive to visible
light
► A pair of organs located under the eyes detect
invisible light in the form of heat
► A rattler’s tongue “smells” certain odors in the air
► The sight or smell of an unbitten animal does not
trigger the rattler’s tracking action

6. Hypothesis
►After the snake wounds its victim,
the snake follows the smell of its
own venom to locate the animal

7. Experiment
► Drag a dead mouse that has been struck and
poisoned by a rattlesnake along a curved path
on the bottom of an empty cage
► Place the snake in the cage
► The snake follows the exact trail that has been
laid out
► Control
► Drag an unbitten dead mouse along the path
► The snake seems disinterested

8. Recording and Analyzing Data
►Do the
experiment
many times
►Record the
data

9. Conclusion
►The scent of venom was
the only factor that could
cause a rattlesnake to
follow its bitten victim.

10. Conclusion
►The scent of venom was
the only factor that could
cause a rattlesnake to
follow its bitten victim.