The scientific method is a process used to answer questions about the world through organized experimentation and analysis. It begins with identifying a problem or question and forming an educated hypothesis based on observations. Experiments are then created and performed to gather data as information. The data is analyzed to make conclusions and communicate results. The experiment may be modified if the data or experiment is flawed. A hypothesis is a possible answer, a theory has been tested and supported, and a law describes patterns in nature without exception.

1. Scientific Method

2. What is the Scientific Method? It is a process that is used to find answers to questions about the world around us.

3. Is there only one “scientific method”? NO!  there are several versions Some versions have more steps while others may have only a few. All begin with the identification of a problem or a question to be answered based on observations around us and provide an organized method for conducting and analyzing an experiment.

4. What is a Hypothesis? An educated guess based on observations and your knowledge of the topic.

5. What is Data? Information gathered during an experiment.

6. Steps 1 and 2 1. Identify the Problem 2. Form a Hypothesis

7. Steps 3 and 4 3. Create an Experiment 4. Perform an Experiment Parts of an Experiment : independent variable The variable changed dependent variable The variable that reacts because of the change Control Used as a standard of comparison Trials (minimum is 3) Repeated experiments

8. Steps 5 and 6 5. Analyze the Data 6. Make Conclusions  Communicate Results

9. Modify the Experiment (when data is inaccurate or experiment is flawed)

10. Hypothesis vs. Theory vs. Law Hypothesis : possible answer to a question Theory : a hypothesis that has been tested and supported many times. They serve as a basis for describing patterns that we observe in nature. Example : The Big Bang Theory Law : a general statement that describes some pattern in nature. The statement must hold under the specified conditions without exception. Example : The Law of Gravity