The Scientific Method 6 Steps to Follow The

The Scientific Method 6 Steps to Follow!

The Scientific Method is a series of steps scientists follow to answer a question or solve a problem. There are 6 main steps.

Step 1: Ask a Question Scientists ask questions based on observations from their surroundings § An observation is information from your 5 senses. § An observation is a fact. An observation is different than an inference. An inference is something you think, based on an observation and what you already know.

Step 1: Ask a Question Scientists ask questions based on observations from their surroundings § The question must be about something that can be tested by an investigation. § The question must be about something that you can measure. § This kind of question is called a “testable question. ”

Step 1: Ask a Question For example, I think Batman is the best superhero. My brother thinks Superman is the best superhero. Who is right? Is that a testable question? Can you find the answer by measuring?

Step 1: Ask a Question Are these testable questions? (Can we measure the results? ) Can Batman or Superman carry more weight? Can Batman or Superman run a mile faster? Can Batman or Superman fly through the air for a longer period of time? Is Batman or Superman’s cape better? Can Batman or Superman jump higher?

Step 1: Ask a Question Is this a question that can be answered with the Scientific Method? What kind of insulation keeps the heat out of the house the best? n a n g h i c s u e d m an ow c h u e o r Y su. a e e s m u o o h t e t n h t e f m i o exper kept out is heat Yes!

Step 1: Ask a Question Is this a question that can be answered with the Scientific Method? What brand of gum tastes best? of r e t t a m sa i r e h w g s u n o a r h e t h n T ove r p e b t nno ut a o c d d n i n f a uld o c u opinion o Y ers. t m n u e s n m i o r c ost m an expe m u g of d t. s n a e r b b s i h t c i wh wha t o n t u , b t s e b e k i l No!

Step 1: Ask a Question Is this a question that can be answered with the Scientific Method? What is the best time to plant tomatoes in Chandler? be n a c r e. w t s n n e a m i er The p x e an h g u o r h t n e v ! s e Y pro

Step 2: Research Do background research about the topic. (Find out what other scientists have already learned. )

Step 3: Form a Hypothesis Take an educated guess about what you think the answer is to your question.

Step 4: Test your hypothesis § Plan the experiment Set up an experiment to test your question. Your experiment tests whether your hypothesis is supported or not.

Step 4: Test your hypothesis § Plan the experiment It is important for your experiment to be a fair test. A fair test changes only one factor (variable) at a time. All other conditions stay the same.

Step 4: Test your hypothesis § Plan the experiment § Make a list of materials needed What type of supplies and equipment will you need to complete your experiment?

Step 4: Test your hypothesis § Plan the experiment § Make a list of materials needed § Conduct the experiment Carefully record your data Organize your data using a graph or chart

Step 4: Test your hypothesis § Plan the experiment § Make a list of materials needed § Conduct the experiment Repeat your experiment several times to make sure that the first results weren't just an accident.

Step 5: Analyze Your Results Look at your results. Decide what the answer to your question is and ask: § Was my hypothesis supported or not supported by the results? § Do I need to conduct the experiment again?

Step 6: Communicate Results § Record your results clearly so that others can understand them. § Include your data in a graph or chart.

Step 6: Communicate Results There are many ways to communicate your results.

The Scientific Method Do you remember the 6 steps to follow? 1. Ask a Question 2. Research 3. Form a Hypothesis 4. Test your Hypothesis 5. Analyze your Results 6. Communicate Results