The Scientific Method Scientific Method The scientific method

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The Scientific Method • Scientific Method • • The scientific method is a logical

The Scientific Method • Scientific Method • • The scientific method is a logical approach to the solution of a scientific problem. Steps in the scientific method include making observations, proposing and testing hypothesis, and developing theories.

Steps of the Scientific Method • Steps to the scientific method 1. Observation: •

Steps of the Scientific Method • Steps to the scientific method 1. Observation: • It involves using your senses – sight, hearing, touch, smell, and sometimes taste- to gather information. 2. Stating the Problem : • Making a question about the observations. 3. Forming a Hypothesis • • Hypothesis • Possible answer to a scientific question (Problem) or a set of observations based on your own experience/knowledge. Must be able to test it

 • How do you set up a controlled experiment? • How do scientists

• How do you set up a controlled experiment? • How do scientists test Hypothesis? • Controlled experiment • Variable 4. Setting Up a Controlled Experiment • The controlled experiment tests hypothesis – Controlled experiment is an experiment in which only one variable is tested. – Variables = factors in an experiment that can change.

5. Recording and Analyzing Results • Data • How scientist display their data? –

5. Recording and Analyzing Results • Data • How scientist display their data? – Scientist keep records of their observations or data. – Information gathered from observations is called evidence or data. – Scientists display their data by using graphs, tables, drawings, etc. – Today, they also use computers to analyze their data.

6. Drawing a conclusion. – Using data/evidence from the experiment, a conclusion is formed.

6. Drawing a conclusion. – Using data/evidence from the experiment, a conclusion is formed. – If conclusion rejects hypothesis, then a new hypothesis must be formed. – After the conclusion, the scientists publish their results so other scientist can test their conclusions.

7. Theory: • Distinguish between hypothesis and theory. • Scientific theory • Difference between

7. Theory: • Distinguish between hypothesis and theory. • Scientific theory • Difference between scientific theory and conspiracy theory. • Conspiracy theory • • • After several experiments in which the hypothesis has been accepted, the hypothesis may become a theory. Scientific Theory = a well tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations. Supported with lots of evidence. Conspiracy theory = an idea not supported with evidence