The document outlines the steps of the scientific method used in biology: 1) Ask a question about a topic that interests you and do background research. 2) Construct a hypothesis to test, which should make sense and be falsifiable. 3) Design and conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis, collecting and analyzing the results. 4) Draw conclusions based on the analysis to determine if the results support or contradict the original hypothesis. 5) Report the results so the findings can contribute to ongoing scientific progress.

1. The Scientific MethodIn BiologyMr. Slate

2. What is the Scientific Method?Ask a QuestionDo ResearchConstruct a HypothesisTest with an ExperimentCollect Data, Analyze Results, Draw ConclusionsReport your Results

3. Why is the Scientific Method Used?It is SystematicIt organizes your thoughts and plansIt is universal

4. Getting StartedFind a topic that interests youASK A QUESTIONWhere?When?Why?How?

5. Do Background ResearchInform YourselfBe Aware of Current FindingsResearch Previous Experiments

6. Construct a HypothesisDefinition: A tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequencesShould Make SenseShould Be Falsifiablehypotheses. (2009). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.Retrieved September 29, 2009, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypotheses

7. Test with an ExperimentAsk yourself:What am I trying to prove?Experiment give appropriate answers?Experiment give strong supportive answers?

8. Test with an Experiment Continued…Make sure your Experiment…Has a Control GroupHas an Experimental GroupLimits Outside FactorsIs Repeatable

9. Collect DataDo NOT be biasBe very systematicDo NOT “contaminate” the data

10. Analyze ResultsUse Statistical ProceduresMathematically describe discrepanciesAny unexpected factors play a role?

11. Draw a ConclusionOnce again, do NOT be bias!What does your analysis tell you?Fulfill the hypothesis completely

12. True or FalseDidyour experiment produce expected results?If not, why?Was the experiment bad?Was the hypothesis false?

13. Report Your ResultsCreate a detailed procedureMake your research knownThis is how science/knowledge progressesReflect on experiment

14. ReflectionWhat have you learned?What further research should be done?This is the most important step

15. ReviewAsk a QuestionDo ResearchConstruct a HypothesisTest with an ExperimentCollect Data, Analyze Results, Draw ConclusionsReport your Results

16. Classroom DiscussionDo we ever use the scientific method in everyday life without even thinking about it?What are some examples?