The scientific method is used to systematically learn about the natural world through evidence and testing. It involves making observations to gather qualitative and quantitative data, inferring explanations from this data to form hypotheses, designing controlled experiments to test these hypotheses by making predictions and analyzing the results to draw conclusions. The process then repeats as new questions are asked.

1. Scientific Method

2. The Goal of Science
Deals only with the
natural world
Collect and organize
information
Propose explanations
that can be tested

3. Science uses evidence to learn about
the natural world and create a body of
knowledge.
Science begins with observations -
often taking data on what you see,
hear and smell.

4. DATA is the information gathered from
observations:
Quantitative data = numbers
Gathered by measuring or counting
Qualitative data = descriptive
BOTH kinds of data are important

5. INFERENCE = a logical interpretation
based on prior knowledge or experience
E.g. You see a broken window and a
baseball on the floor next to the glass - you
infer that a baseball broke the window

6. HYPOTHESIS = a proposed scientific
explanation
This statement is testable and can be
confirmed with experimentation or further
observation.

7. PREDICTION = an "if-then" statement that
shows what you expect to see as a result of
an experiment or observation
E.g. If fertilizer makes a plant grow faster,
then seedlings planted with fertilizer will be
taller than those without.

8. Steps of the Scientific
Method

9. 1. Ask questions, make
observations

10. 2. Gather information

11. 3. Form a hypothesis

12. 4. Set up a controlled
experiment

13. 5. Record and analyze
results

14. 6. Draw a conclusion

15. 7. Repeat!