The scientific method involves 7 steps to investigate natural occurrences: 1) asking a question, 2) researching background information, 3) developing a hypothesis, 4) conducting an experiment with controls and variables, 5) analyzing results, 6) determining if the hypothesis is supported or needs revision, and 7) communicating findings. The steps are used to systematically test hypotheses through quantifiable and reproducible experiments.

1. Steps of theSteps of the
Scientific MethodScientific Method
September 10, 2013September 10, 2013

2. ObjectivesObjectives
1.1. Recognize the Steps of the ScientificRecognize the Steps of the Scientific
MethodMethod
2.2. Understand the terminology that isUnderstand the terminology that is
involvedinvolved
3.3. Use an example problem to workUse an example problem to work
through each of the Stepsthrough each of the Steps

3. TheThe ScientificScientific
MethodMethod involves ainvolves a
series of steps thatseries of steps that
are used toare used to
investigate ainvestigate a
naturalnatural
occurrence.occurrence.

4. Problem/QuestionProblem/Question
Observation/ResearchObservation/Research
Formulate a HypothesisFormulate a Hypothesis
ExperimentExperiment
Collect and Analyze ResultsCollect and Analyze Results
ConclusionConclusion
Communicate the ResultsCommunicate the Results

5. Steps of theSteps of the
Scientific MethodScientific Method
1.1. Problem/QuestionProblem/Question::
Develop a question or problem thatDevelop a question or problem that
can be solved throughcan be solved through
experimentation.experimentation.

6. Steps of theSteps of the
Scientific MethodScientific Method
2.2. Observation/ResearchObservation/Research::
Make observations and research yourMake observations and research your
topic of interest.topic of interest.

7. Steps of theSteps of the
Scientific MethodScientific Method
3.3. Formulate a HypothesisFormulate a Hypothesis::
Predict a possible answer to thePredict a possible answer to the
problem or question.problem or question.
Example:Example: IfIf soil temperaturessoil temperatures rise, thenrise, then
plant growthplant growth will increase.will increase.

8. Steps of theSteps of the
Scientific MethodScientific Method
4.4. ExperimentExperiment::
Develop and follow aDevelop and follow a procedureprocedure..
 Include a detailedInclude a detailed materialsmaterials list.list.
 The outcome must be measurableThe outcome must be measurable
(quantifiable).(quantifiable).
 Include tables, graphs, andInclude tables, graphs, and
photographs.photographs.

9. Steps of theSteps of the
Scientific MethodScientific Method
5.5. Collect and Analyze ResultsCollect and Analyze Results::
Modify the procedure if needed.Modify the procedure if needed.
Confirm the results by retesting.Confirm the results by retesting.
Make recommendations for furtherMake recommendations for further
study and possible improvements tostudy and possible improvements to
the procedure.the procedure.

10. Steps of theSteps of the
Scientific MethodScientific Method
6.6. ConclusionConclusion::
Include a statement that accepts orInclude a statement that accepts or
rejects the hypothesis.rejects the hypothesis.

11. Steps of theSteps of the
Scientific MethodScientific Method
7.7. Communicate the ResultsCommunicate the Results::
Be prepared to present the project toBe prepared to present the project to
an audience.an audience.
 Expect questions from the audience.Expect questions from the audience.

12. VariablesVariables
IndependentIndependent
 a factor that’sa factor that’s
varied (changed)varied (changed)
by theby the
experimenter.experimenter.
DependentDependent
 the factor thatthe factor that
may changemay change
(measuring) as a(measuring) as a
result of changesresult of changes
made in themade in the
independentindependent
variable.variable.

13. Control GroupControl Group
 standard of comparison.standard of comparison.
 may be a “no treatment" or anmay be a “no treatment" or an
“experimenter selected” group.“experimenter selected” group.
 exposed to the same conditions as theexposed to the same conditions as the
experimental groupexperimental group

except for the variable being tested.except for the variable being tested.

14. ConstantsConstants
factors that thefactors that the
experimenter attemptsexperimenter attempts
to keep the same.to keep the same.