Understanding the
Scientific Method
Chapter 1
Biology
Learning Targets
• I will describe the parts of the scientific
method
• I will describe how to collect, organize,
and analyze data
• I will explain how results are used to
draw conclusions
Scientific Method
• The Scientific Method is a series of
steps that scientists use to investigate a
natural occurrence
– Scientific inquiry begins with an
observation
• Observations are direct methods of gather
information in an orderly way (ex. Draw a
picture, create a chart, take measurements, etc.)
Scientific Method
• After making an observation, scientists
combine their observation with what
they already know – this makes an
inference.
– Inferences are logical conclusions drawn
from processing your observation with the
information you have learned through
reliable sources
Scientific Method
• The exact scientific method is not
always the same but each time they
conduct an experiment, scientist both
observe and infer through the entire
process.
Scientific Method
• 7 Steps of the Scientific Method:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
State the Problem
Form a Hypothesis
Experiment
Gather Data
Analyze Data
Form a Conclusion
Retest
Scientific Method
1. State the Problem –
• State the problem that to be
solved through experimentation
• Ex: Does the amount of sunlight
effect the growth of a plant?
2. Form a Hypothesis –
• Hypothesis – explanation for a
question or problem that can be
tested
• Ex: If a plant receives more
sunlight, then it will grow taller
Scientific Method
3. Experiment –
• Create and conduct a procedure that tests a
hypothesis by collecting information under
controlled conditions
• Constant - variable(s) that are kept the same
• Ex: soil type, plant type, container size, source of
light, etc.
• Independent Variable – variable that changes
• Ex: Amount of Sunlight
• Dependent Variable – the variable we measure
• Ex: Height of the plants
• Control Group – the group that is the standard
against which results are compared
• Ex: A plant that is not given any sunlight
Scientific Method
4. Gather Data –
• Data – information gained from
observations
• Qualitative – information that can
be described in words and not
measured numerically
• Ex: color, smell, etc.
• Quantitative – information that can
be collected numerically
• Ex: height, weight, hours, etc.
Scientific Method
5. Analyze Data –
• Scientists often use graphs and charts to
display the data to find patterns
14
12
Plant A
10
Plant B
8
Plant C
6
Plant D
4
Plant E
2
Plant F
0
Growth
Scientific Method
6. Form a Conclusion
• Scientists use their collected information
to see if their hypothesis was right
• Often, the scientist then publishes their
findings in order to share with peers and
the public
7. Retest
• Experiments are often redone by either the
original scientist or another scientist to
see if they were correct