Watch this video for a brief introduction to the
Scientific Method  “ CLICK HERE ”
Scientific Method
A series of problem-solving procedures that help scientists conduct experiments.
State the problem
Observation of an unexplained phenomenon.
We utilize our 5 senses to observe & identify problems:
* Sight
* Hearing
* Taste
* Touch
* Smell
Gather Information
Collect data, take measurements, conduct research, and use prior knowledge.
Form a hypothesis
Your best educated guess for a solution to the problem.
It is based upon the facts that have been gathered.
Test the hypothesis
Design & conduct an experiment to check your hypothesis.
Compare the expected results with the actual results.
Variable—the factor(s) in an experiment that can be changed
Independent variable – the factor in an experiment that is
manipulated by the experimenter in an experiment
Dependent variable – the factor in an experiment that can change
if the independent variable is changed
Constants – the factor(s) in an experiment that do not change
Control – the standard for comparison in an experiment
Draw a conclusion
Based on the results from the testing
•
•
•
Accept the hypothesis as stated (repeat testing until results are consistent)
Alter the hypothesis slightly (retest the new hypothesis)
Discard the hypothesis altogether (develop a new hypothesis and retest)
State the Problem – I observe that plants don’t seem to grow as well when they are not supplied water regularly.
How much water do plants need to achieve maximum growth?
Gather Information – Do research on the physical needs of plants to survive and thrive (reading, interviews, etc.).
Make observations of abundant plant growth and absence of plant growth during various
types of rainfall periods (drought, moderate precipitation, and abundant precipitation.)
Form a Hypothesis – I form a hypothesis that says that in order to optimize plant growth there needs to be a
regular supply of water given to plants.
Test the Hypothesis – I will set up an experiment that will test my hypothesis.
I will compare my expected results with the actual results.
Draw a Conclusion – Based upon the results from the testing.
I will alter my hypothesis slightly – to optimize plant growth there needs to be a
regular [but moderate (ex. once per day)] supply of water given to plants.
4 Plants grown
under a
sun lamp
Week 1
Plant
Growth
Week 2
Plant
Growth
Week 3
Plant
Growth
A - no water
0 in
0 in
0 in
B - water once a day
0 in
3 in
5 in
C - water three times a day
0 in
2 in
4 in
D - water five times a day
0 in
2 in
0 in
* What is the independent variable in this experiment?

the amount of water
* What is the dependent variable in this experiment?

the plant growth
* If another person wanted to repeat this experiment,
what types of information would be important to know? 
* The type of plant used.
* The intensity of the sun lamp
* The amount of water given to each
* If the original hypothesis stated that the plant
watered three times a day would grow
the most, what should the scientist do?

Modify the hypothesis to fit with the new
findings, and repeat the experiment.
* What are the constants in this experiment?

* The type of plant
* The amount of sunlight given to each plant
* The amount of fertilizer given to each plant
* The length of time between measurements