Scientific Method Teacher Demonstration
Earth Science
Name:
Block:
Date:
Purpose: To use the scientific method to investigate a problem. Students will make hypotheses
and formulate methods of testing these hypotheses.
Procedure:
1. Observe the ice cubes when they are placed into the beakers of liquid.
2. Make a sketch of your observations in the space provided in the observations and data
section below. Label liquid A and liquid B.
3. State a problem that you recognize from your observations of the two beakers. Record your
problem statement in the observations and data section.
4. Formulate at least three hypotheses that offer explanations of what was observed. Write
your hypotheses in the observations and data section.
5. Devise a method of testing each of the hypotheses. Write these methods in the observations
and data section.
6. Answer the discussion questions.
Observations and Data
Observations:
State the Problem:
Behavior of Two Ice Cubes in Unknown Liquids
Hypothesis
1.
2.
Method for testing
Observations:
3.
4.
5.
Discussion Questions
1. What is the scientific method?
2. What is a hypothesis and of what importance is it in the process of investigation a problem?
3. Why is it important to test your hypothesis?
4. Why is the scientific method useful to people?
5. You are home alone and the lights go out. Using the scientific method state the problem,
make a hypothesis to explain the problem, and summarize ways to test the problem.