7 Steps of the Scientific Method 1 Stating

7 Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Stating the Problem 2. 2. Gathering the information 3. on the Problem 4. 3. Forming a Hypothesis

4. Performing Experiments to test the Hypothesis 5. Recording and Analyzing Data

6. Stating a Conclusion 7. Repeating the Work

There were icicles on the roof and small pools of sea water were not frozen.

Step 1 Stating the Problem: What causes fresh water to freeze at a higher temperature than sea water?

2. Gathering Information on the Problem: How are the sea water and fresh water different?

Sea water rests on sand, fresh water drips on the tar roof. Sea water is exposed to cold air for less time due to tidal changes.

Sea water is saltier than the fresh water.

3. Forming a Hypothesis (a suggested solution to a problem)

Because fresh water does not contain salt, it freezes at a higher temperature than sea water.

4. Performing Experiments to Test the Hypothesis:

Rule out every factor except salt as the cause of freezing temperatures:

(1)equal amounts of fresh water in both (2)add salt to one container (variable) (3)control group (4) place in freezer-check every 5 minutes

5. Recording & Analyzing Data

To determine whether salt affects the freezing temperature of water, a scientist must observe the experiment and write down important information

to organize on a data table or graph. -water froze at 0 degrees Celsius -salt water froze at -10 degrees Celsius

6. Stating a Conclusion: When salt is dissolved in water, the freezing temperature goes down. For this reason, fresh water freezes at a higher temperature than does sea water.

7. Repeating the Work: A scientist will repeat the experiment many times to be sure the data is accurate.

The report must be detailed enough so that Scientist throughout the world can repeat the experiment for themselves.