NAME:_________________________
FAMILY: _______________
Grade 9 Biology
Day 1
Scientific Method – Guided Notes
Scientific Method- Hypothesis
Objective: Today you will be able to…
identify the steps of the scientific method and
form a hypothesis to explain how it guides an
experiment.
Proving Behavior: writing a measurable
hypothesis for a variety of different scenarios
Steps in the Scientific Method (see next page)
A hypothesis is a proposed _____________ for a set of ______________, which can be
____________ experimentally.
How to Write a Hypothesis:
1. Identify the independent variable
•
Factor/condition that the experimenter purposely changes or
____________________.
2. Identify the dependent variable
•
Observable factor that _____________________________________ to the
independent variable.
3. Consider the relationship between the 2 variables
•
_________________ and ________________
4. Predict what you think the ______________ to your question is and _______.
•
Hint: use your background research to help you
5. Put it into ____ … ___________.... __________________ format.
If …..(_____________________), then…. (_____________________),
because … (_________________).
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NAME:_________________________
FAMILY: _______________
Grade 9 Biology
Day 1
Scientific Method – Guided Notes
Steps in the Scientific Method
Ask a Question
Do Background
Research
Think! Try Again!
Construct a
Hypothesis
Test with an
Experiment
Analyze Results/Draw
Conclusion
Hypothesis is
Hypothesis is
true
false
Report Results
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NAME:_________________________
FAMILY: _______________
Grade 9 Biology
Day 1
Scientific Method – Guided Notes
HYPOTHESIS CHECKLIST
Does your hypothesis include …
 An independent variable
o A factor that can be manipulated by the experimenter
o Condition is changed in at least 2 ways
 A dependent variable
o An observable factor that responds to the independent
variable
o Factor being measured/recorded
 Is it an educated prediction that is supported with background
observations and/or research?
 Is it written in an “If … then … because …” statement
If (independent variable), then (dependent variable) because (rationale
Hint: If you still aren’t sure about your hypothesis – talk with a buddy!
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NAME:_________________________
FAMILY: _______________
Grade 9 Biology
Day 1
Scientific Method – Guided Notes
Guided Practice: Writing Hypotheses
1. Re-write the following hypothesis so that it fits the criteria for a good hypothesis:
The more hours I study on a test, the better my grade will be. I know this because I did really well on a
test after studying for a whole week but did poorly on a test after only studying for 1 hour.
2. Write a hypothesis that predicts an answer to the following questions:
(For the rationale, think about experiences you may have had to help you explain your
decisions)
a. Will I have a cleaner and healthier mouth if I brush my teeth everyday?
b. Will tape stick better to a white board or to concrete?
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NAME:_________________________
FAMILY: _______________
Grade 9 Biology
Day 1
Scientific Method – Guided Notes
3. One day, a scientist was wondering if peeled and unpeeled oranges float in water. From
previous observations, she knew that both peeled and unpeeled apples float. Because both
apples and oranges are fruits, she predicted that both peeled and unpeeled oranges would
float. She took two oranges, and peeled one of them. She then put them both in bowls of water.
The unpeeled orange floated, but to her surprise the peeled orange sunk to the bottom. She
concluded that the peel of an orange is full of trapped air pockets, and that is what makes it
float.
a. In this example, what was the scientist’s hypothesis (remember to look at the scientist’s
prediction).
b. In this experiment, was her prediction supported or disproved? Why?
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