The scientific method involve a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Let’s take a closer look at these steps and the terminology you will need to understand before you begin a science project
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Observation
Ask Question
0
1
Make a Hypothesis
2
Experiment
3
Record and analyze data
4
Draw Conclusion
5
Share Results
6
0 OBSERVATION
Scientific method starts when you make an observation about something that interests you. It could be anything that you are curious about to find answers. Example: Why are some plants taller than the others?
1
RESEARCH & ASK QUESTION
“What if …” “How do …” “When I …”
Once you have made the observation, you must formulate a question about what you have observed: How, What, When, Who, Which, Why or Where? Example: Why does oil float on top of water and does not mix?
2 MAKE A HYPOTHESIS
“I think this happens because …”
A hypothesis is a statement that uses a few observations, without any experimental evidence to define why something happens. Predict a possible answer to the question. Example: If oil is lighter than water, then oil will always float on water.
“If _____ Then ____ will happen”
3
PERFORM EXPERIMENT
“Let’s test my hypothesis”
Prove your hypothesis right or wrong by conducting a series of tests. Repeat the experiment a number of times to make sure the first results weren’t an accident. Example: Try different types of oils and water
4
RECORD AND ANALYZE DATA
“Was my hypothesis right?”
Once the experiment is complete, collect your measurements and analyze the data to see if your hypothesis is correct. Include tables, graphs and photographs.
5
DRAW CONCLUSIONS
“Experiments show my hypothesis was …”
Prove your hypothesis right or wrong by conducting a series of tests. Repeat the experiment a number of times to make sure the first results weren’t an accident. Example: My experiment showed that oil indeed floats on water. AH HA!
6
SHARE RESULTS
Be prepared to present the science project to an audience. Expect questions and be ready to present your demonstration and results.
SCIENTIFIC METHOD REVIEW AH HA!
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
SCIENTIFIC METHOD REVIEW
Observation
Ask Question
0
1
Make a Hypothesis
2
Experiment
3
Record and analyze data
4
Draw Conclusion
5 AH HA!
Share Results
6
WRITING A GOOD HYPOTHESIS • Question comes first • Hypothesis is a statement, not a question
• Hypothesis can be a prediction • Make it clear – no more than 2 or 3 lines • Make sure the hypothesis is testable • Could be based on your research or previous experience
HYPOTHESIS EXAMPLES
Question How does acid rain affect plant growth?
Hypothesis Acid rain causes plants to grow more slowly. “If a plant is watered with only acid rain, then the plant will grow at half its normal rate.”
HYPOTHESIS EXAMPLES
Question Why does meat kept outside spoils faster than when kept in the refrigerator?
Hypothesis Room temperature causes the food to spoil faster. “If meat is kept at room temperature, then it will spoil faster than meat kept in the refrigerator.”
HYPOTHESIS EXAMPLES
Question Do plants grown from seeds in light grow taller than plants grown from seeds in the dark?
Hypothesis Plant growth will be greater for plants grown from seeds in light than in dark. “If a plant is grown from seeds in light, it will grow taller than plants grown from seeds in the dark.”
OBSERVATIONS: Flies land on meat that is left uncovered. Later, maggots appear on the meat. HYPOTHESIS: If meat is left uncovered, then flies land on meat and cause maggots to appear on the meat. PROCEDURE Covered jars
Uncovered jars Controlled Variables: jars, type of meat, location, temperature, time Several days pass
Manipulated Variables: gauze covering that keeps flies away from meat
Responding Variable: whether maggots appear
Maggots appear
No maggots appear
CONCLUSION: Maggots form only when flies come in contact with meat. Spontaneous generation of maggots did not occur.
Observe the world and think about a question that you will try to answer using the scientific method.
