The scientific method involve a
series of steps that are used to
investigate a natural occurrence
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Let’s take a closer look at these
steps and the terminology you will
need to understand before you begin
a science project
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Observation
Ask
Question
0
1
Make a
Hypothesis
2
Experiment
3
Record and
analyze data
4
Draw
Conclusion
5
Share
Results
6
0 OBSERVATION
Scientific method starts when you make an
observation about something that interests
you. It could be anything that you are curious
about to find answers.
Example: Why are some plants taller than the others?
1
RESEARCH & ASK QUESTION
“What if …” “How do …”
“When I …”
Once you have made the observation, you
must formulate a question about what you
have observed: How, What, When, Who,
Which, Why or Where?
Example: Why does oil float on top of water and does not mix?
2 MAKE A HYPOTHESIS
“I think this happens because …”
A hypothesis is a statement that uses a few
observations, without any experimental
evidence to define why something happens.
Predict a possible answer to the question.
Example: If oil is lighter than water, then oil will always float on water.
“If _____
Then ____
will happen”
3
PERFORM EXPERIMENT
“Let’s test my hypothesis”
Prove your hypothesis right or wrong by
conducting a series of tests. Repeat the
experiment a number of times to make sure
the first results weren’t an accident.
Example: Try different types of oils and water
4
RECORD AND ANALYZE DATA
“Was my hypothesis right?”
Once the experiment is complete, collect your
measurements and analyze the data to see if
your hypothesis is correct. Include tables,
graphs and photographs.
5
DRAW CONCLUSIONS
“Experiments show my hypothesis was …”
Prove your hypothesis right or wrong by
conducting a series of tests. Repeat the
experiment a number of times to make sure
the first results weren’t an accident.
Example: My experiment showed that oil indeed floats on water.
AH HA!
6
SHARE RESULTS
Be prepared to present the science project to
an audience. Expect questions and be ready
to present your demonstration and results.
SCIENTIFIC METHOD REVIEW
AH HA!
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
SCIENTIFIC METHOD REVIEW
Observation
Ask
Question
0
1
Make a
Hypothesis
2
Experiment
3
Record and
analyze data
4
Draw
Conclusion
5
AH HA!
Share
Results
6
WRITING A GOOD HYPOTHESIS
• Question comes first
• Hypothesis is a statement, not a question
• Hypothesis can be a prediction
• Make it clear – no more than 2 or 3 lines
• Make sure the hypothesis is testable
• Could be based on your research or previous experience
HYPOTHESIS EXAMPLES
Question
How does acid rain affect plant growth?
Hypothesis
Acid rain causes plants to grow more slowly.
“If a plant is watered with only acid rain, then the plant will grow at half its
normal rate.”
HYPOTHESIS EXAMPLES
Question
Why does meat kept outside spoils faster than when kept in the refrigerator?
Hypothesis
Room temperature causes the food to spoil faster.
“If meat is kept at room temperature, then it will spoil faster than meat kept
in the refrigerator.”
HYPOTHESIS EXAMPLES
Question
Do plants grown from seeds in light grow taller than plants grown from seeds
in the dark?
Hypothesis
Plant growth will be greater for plants grown from seeds in light than in dark.
“If a plant is grown from seeds in light, it will grow taller than plants grown
from seeds in the dark.”
OBSERVATIONS: Flies land on meat that is left uncovered. Later, maggots appear on the meat.
HYPOTHESIS: If meat is left uncovered, then flies land on meat and cause maggots to appear on the meat.
PROCEDURE
Covered jars
Uncovered jars
Controlled Variables:
jars, type of meat,
location, temperature,
time
Several
days pass
Manipulated Variables:
gauze covering that
keeps flies away from
meat
Responding Variable:
whether maggots
appear
Maggots appear
No maggots appear
CONCLUSION: Maggots form only when flies come in contact with meat. Spontaneous
generation of maggots did not occur.
Observe the world and think about a question
that you will try to answer using the scientific
method.