The scientific method is an approach used to investigate a scientific problem and consists of several key steps: (1) asking a question and conducting research; (2) developing a hypothesis; (3) performing experiments to test the hypothesis; (4) collecting and analyzing data from the experiments; and (5) sharing results and developing a theory or law to explain the findings. The scientific method relies on objective measurement and evidence from experiments in which variables are controlled to test hypotheses and develop theories.

1. Scientific Method

2. Scientific Method Scientific Method- an approach to a scientific problem.

3. Steps of Scientific Method Investigate - a person ask a question about a particular phenomenon.

4. 2. Research- search for information about the topic. By researching, a scientist can see what experiments have been done so they don’t duplicate the same experiment.

5. 3. Hypothesis- an educated guess. 4. Experimentation- series of tests to see if the hypothesis is correct.

6. In an experiment, there is a control and a variable. Control - a factor that is not changed. Variable - a factor that is changed.

7. Variables There are 2 types of variables. 1. Independent - a variable you control. 2 . Dependent - a variable you can’t control.

8. For Example The amount of water I put on a plant would be my independent variable. The amount of growth the plant has would be the dependent variable.

9. Your turn The temperature I put a plant in is the _______ variable. The color the plant turns is the ______ variable.

10. 5. Data- the collection and analysis of the information gathered from the experiment. 2 Types of Data a. Numbers b. Words

11. 1. Numbers - to put in graphs/charts. X-axis will contain independent variables Y-axis will contain dependent variables

12. 2. Words - a description of the experiment -For example: color, texture or shape of a leaf.

13. Theory Theory - an explanation about the topic supported by the results of the experiment.

14. Sharing Sharing - sharing the experiment and the results to others. Ex: Medical journals, science journals, and lab write-ups

15. Scientific Law Scientific Law- a statement that is always true. Scientific Laws are usually backed using math.

16. A theory can become a scientific law. A scientific law can also become a theory. Hypothesis -> Theory↔ Scientific Law