A SCIENTIFIC METHOD WHERE YOU UNDERSTAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE TERMINILOGIES

1. Introduction to the
Scientific Method

2. What is the Scientific Method?
The scientific method is a systematic process
that scientists use to answer questions and
solve problems. This process helps us
understand the world around us in a logical
and organized way. In this lesson, we’ll explore
each step of the scientific method and learn
how to apply it to everyday questions and
scientific investigations.

3. Steps of the Scientific Method
• Questioning
• Problem identification research
• Hypothesis formation
• Experimentation and testing
• Data collection and analysis
• Drawing conclusions
• Communicating results

4. The first step in the scientific method is to ask a
question. This question should be specific and based
on an observation of the world around us. For
example, you might notice that plants grow
differently under various lighting conditions and
wonder, "How does light affect plant growth?" A
good scientific question is clear, focused, and
something that can be tested. This question will
guide the rest of your investigation.
Ask a Question

5. Before jumping into an experiment, it’s essential to
understand what is already known about your topic.
Background research involves gathering information
from reliable sources like books, scientific articles,
and trustworthy websites. This research helps you
make informed predictions and ensures you’re not
repeating work that’s already been done.
Understanding the basics of your topic also allows
you to design a better experiment.
Do Background Research

6. A hypothesis is an educated guess about the answer
to your question. It’s based on your observations
and research, and it should be something you can
test through experimentation. A good hypothesis is
often written as an "If, then" statement. For example,
"If plants receive more sunlight, then they will grow
taller." This statement sets up a prediction that you
can test with an experiment, helping to guide your
investigation
Form a Hypothesis

7. The experiment is the part where you test your
hypothesis. In this step, you’ll design and carry out a
procedure to see if your prediction is correct. A good
experiment has two main variables: the
independent variable (what you change) and the
dependent variable (what you measure). For
example, if you’re testing plant growth, you might
change the amount of light (independent variable)
and measure the height of the plant (dependent
variable). Keep all other factors the same to ensure
accurate results.
Conduct an Experiment

8. As you conduct your experiment, collect data and
record your observations. This data could include
measurements, notes, or pictures, depending on the
type of experiment. Once you’ve gathered your data,
analyze it to look for patterns or trends. For
example, you might create a graph to show how
plant height changes with different light levels.
Analyzing data helps you understand whether your
hypothesis was supported or not.
Record and Analyze Data

9. After analyzing your data, you can draw a
conclusion. This is where you decide if your
hypothesis was correct. Summarize your findings
and explain why the results did or did not support
your prediction. If the results weren’t what you
expected, think about what could have caused the
difference. Drawing a conclusion helps you reflect on
what you learned and consider how the experiment
might be improved in the future.
Draw a Conclusion

10. The final step of the scientific method is to
communicate your findings. Scientists share their
work with others so that it can be reviewed and
built upon. You might write a report, create a
presentation, or display your findings in a science
fair. By sharing your results, you contribute to the
scientific community and help others learn from
your experiment. Clear communication allows
others to understand your work and possibly
repeat it to verify the results.
Communicate Your Results

11. Let’s review the steps of the scientific method: Ask a question, do
background research, form a hypothesis, conduct an experiment,
record and analyze data, draw a conclusion, and communicate
results. Now, think of a simple question you could test!