Scientific Method
Scientific Method – The way we
approach questions
In science the way in which questions are
asked and address follows a set of steps.
 These steps are what are known as the
Scientific Method.

The steps involved
follow a specific order.
Step 1: Observe and ask Questions
The scientific
method starts with
an observation
about the natural
world.
 Some aspect or
event might
stimulate you to
ask a question.

Example
You come across two fields of
snapdragons (plants). 1 has red flowers
the other has white.
 You ask the question:

Step 2: Observe and Research

The next step of the scientific
method is to learn as much as
you can about your topic!

You need as much information
as possible so that you can
make informed decisions.
Example

You would begin to learn
about the two fields:

You would research
Snapdragons:
Step 3: Create a Hypothesis

Once you have your information gathered and
you’ve read up on your subject you can now
address your original question.

The correct method is to make an educated
guess to the answer of your question.
Example

You make have learned in your studies
that soil pH can cause flowers of the same
species to bloom in different colors.

What’s a good hypothesis then?
Step 4: Design an experiment

With the hypothesis in
mind an experiment must
be designed to address
our hypothesis.

We must create a way to
see if our educated guess
is right or wrong.
Experiment
An experiment has a number of rules that
must be followed.
 Almost anything can influence the
outcome of an experiment, we call all
these things variables.

Variables

To have a successful experiment there must be
a lot of control.

Most of these variables are set a specific value and
kept that way the entire time the experiment runs. 
control variables.

Usually only 1 variable is changed by the scientist 
independent variable.

One variable is measured, this is this variable we are
looking at/measuring  dependant variable.
Example

Make a list of the variables that can influence
our scientific topic.

Which will we manipulate?

What will we measure?

Identify at least 3 control, the 1 independent and
the 1 dependant variable.
Example

Design our experiment:
Record Data

While the experiment
progresses we must
record our data.

With the data we must
analyze it and determine
its meaning.
Data Presentation

The data must be presented in a way
that makes the most sense.

Table: Presentation of non-numerical
data

Graph: Presents numerical data and
designed to show trends and/or
relationships between data.
Line Graph
Bar Graph
Graphs


When Graphing the
Dependant Variable is
placed on the Y-axis.
The dependant variable on
the X-axis.


If the data falls in a line there is
a trend.
If the data is scattered
everywhere, there is no
relationship between variables.
Example
Plant Sample
pH
Flower Color
1
3
white
2
5
white
3
7
red
4
9
red
5
11
pink
6
13
pink
Step 5: Analyze the Data

Once the data has been gathered it is up
to the scientist to make a conclusion.

The conclusion is about the hypothesis:
was it ACCEPTED or REJECTED.

You accept or reject your hypothesis
based on the data you gathered.
Example

Decide about our hypothesis:

Why?

What does this mean:
Step 6: Repeat

Once the experiment is done:

Repeat
 Repeat
Repeat