1.2
The Scientific Method
7 Steps to the Scientific Method
1. State the Problem.
2. Make Observations
3. Form a Hypothesis
4. Test the Hypothesis
5. Collect and Record Data
6. State a Conclusion
7. Repeat the Process
Step #1: Stating the Problem
•  Maybe the most important step.
•  Start by asking a question.
Step #2: Make Observations
•  Observation: Perceiving objects or events
through 1 of your 5 senses.
•  Using your senses to observe: sight, sound,
touch, taste, and smell.
•  Observations can include taking
measurements and calculations.
•  Temp, movement, density……..
Observations - Sampling
•  Sampling - having a small group represent
the whole.
•  To be useful the sample must be large and
random. Why?
•  What happens if the sample is too small?
•  What happens if the sample is not random?
Step #3: Forming a Hypothesis
•  Hypothesis: Educated guess, based on
observations, can be tested.
•  Prediction: Statement made in advance that
states what will be obtained by testing your
hypothesis.
•  “If - Then” statement
Step #4: Testing the Hypothesis
A hypothesis is often tested by an experiment .
Step #4: Testing the Hypothesis
Controlled experiment: Compare control group and
experimental group.
  The group used as a standard
Independent Variable: The variable that causes change
from group to group
  Manipulated Variable (What we change)
Dependent Variable: The variable that changes in
response to the independent variable
  Responding Variable (What will change)