This document outlines the scientific method process. It describes the 5 main steps: 1) make an observation/ask a question, 2) write a hypothesis, 3) make predictions, 4) perform experiments/collect data, and 5) state conclusions. It defines key terms like independent and dependent variables, and how to design valid experiments with controls. Examples of experiments are provided to illustrate the scientific method process.

1. Scientific Method
December 2011

2. Bell Work
• 1. What are the 5 steps of the scientific
method process?
• 2. What is an independent variable?
• 3. What is a dependent variable?

3. Scientific Method
Scientific Method-
A series of steps that scientists and 7th
graders use to answer questions and
solve problems
The scientific method is a logical,
problem solving technique

4. Steps of the Scientific Method
1. Make an Observation/Ask a question
2. Write a Hypothesis
3. Make Predictions
4. Perform Experiments / Data Collection
5. Conclusion Statement

5. Observation
1st Step in the Scientific Method
Process
• 1. An observation is something you can
see or prove
• 2. An inference is an opinion, or
conclusion, based on observed facts

6. Observation vs. Inference
Observation
Observation
Inference

7. Observation vs. Inference
1. Observation
2. Observation
3. Inference

8. Observation vs. Inference
1. Observation
2. Observation
3. Inference

9. Write a Hypothesis
2nd Step in the Scientific Method
Process
• Hypothesis-
Possible explanation or answer to a question
“What do you think is the answer to your
question or the reason for your observation”

10. 3rd Step in the Scientific Method
Process
Make Predictions
• Prediction
– Statement of what may happen in the future
“What are some if / then statements that
explain and confirm your hypothesis”

11. Predictions
If the cows are warned
a car is coming, then
they will stop talking
and act like cows.

12. Predictions
If…………………
then………..

13. Predictions
If…………………
then…………………

14. Perform Tests or Experiments
4th Step in the Scientific Method
Process
“What will you do to test your predictions?”
-1. Collect Data
-2. Find out if your hypothesis is or is not
correct.

15. State Your Conclusions
5th Step in the Scientific Method
Process
• 1. “What did your experiment show?”
• 2. “Did your experiment confirm (prove
right) your hypothesis?”
• 3. Application
“How does this apply to everyday life?”

16. Science Vocabulary
1. Bias-
– To influence in an unfair way
– 2. Analyze-
-Consider the detail and subject in order to
discover the meaning. To look at the results and
find meaning.
3. qualitative-observations made with your senses
and not numbers
4. quantitative- observations that include amount
or numbers

17. Note Cards
• 1. Make note cards (study cards)
• 5 steps of Scientific Method
• Bias
• Analyze

18. Independent, Dependent, and
Controlled Variables
• 1. Independent, dependent, and controlled
variables are tools used in an experiment
to track what is going on
• 2. Allow you to have control over your
experiments
• 3. Allows you to measure your results and
draw accurate conclusions

19. Independent Variable
1. What you change or control in an
experiment
-You can only have one independent
variable

20. Dependent Variable
- 1. What you measure in an experiment
- 2. You can have more than one dependent
variable

21. Controlled Variables
1. Any other conditions in an experiment
2. Must remain constant or the same

22. Control Group
• A group in an experiment that is not tested
or effected

23. Examples
• Fast-food experiment
• Plant

24. Scientific Method Review
Song
1. Ask a Question or Make an Observation
2. Write a Hypothesis
3. Make Predictions
4. Perform Experiments/Tests-Collect Data
5. State Your Conclusions

25. Jamal’s Results
Concrete
(distance)
Asphalt
(distance)
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Trial 4
Average
Distance

26. Practice
• The Jones put a real Christmas tree
up in their home each year. This year
they don’t know what species of tree
to buy because they want a tree that
smells good, keeps it’s needles and
stays fresh the longest. They go to the
local Christmas tree farm to cut down
their tree.
The Christmas tree farm has
performed their own trial this year, and
a month ago cut a blue spruce,
Douglas fir, and white pine and placed
them in water and displayed them
outside the store. This allowed
customers to view the trees, feel the
needles, and see how the different
coniferous trees held their needles and
smelled.
1. What is the independent variable?
2. What are the dependent variables?
3. List some controls the Christmas tree
farm would need to do in order for
their results to be more valid.
4. What could the farm have down
differently to increase the “validity” of
their experiment.

27. Bell Work
True or False
1.Independent variables affect dependent
variables.
2.The experimental group is the group that
is tested during an experiment.
3. Name the 5 steps in order

28. Bell Work
1. Which variable remains constant?
2. Which variable do you measure and
have no control over?
3. Which variable to your control?

29. Bell Work
• True or False
1. To analyze means to consider the detail and
subject in order to discover the meaning.
2. It is okay to have bias when performing scientific
experiments.
3. The experimental group is the one being
tested in an experiment.
4. The control group is used to compare results
to the experimental group in an experiment.