Scientific Method
Scientific Method
The Scientific Method is a method of
problem solving involving observation to
test a hypothesis.
Step 1
Purpose/Question
Your first step is to determine a problem
or question so that you know what you
want to test.
Research / Observation
After deciding on your question, you
should complete some research to discover
what background information is needed to
perform the experiment.
Step 2
Hypothesis
Based on your research make an educated
guess that answers your question.
Step 3
Procedure/Experiment
Make a list of directions for testing your
idea or hypothesis through a controlled
investigation. These should be detailed so
that another person can follow your
directions and perform the same
experiment.
Control
You will need a control which is a standard
against which other conditions can be
compared in an experiment.
Variable
You will also need a variable which is the
factor being tested.
Identify the Controls and Variables

http://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/c
ontrols.html
Step 4
Materials
Make a list of all materials used to conduct
your experiment.
Observation
While completing your experiment you will
record findings.
Step 5
Results/Data
As you perform your experiment, collect
data. Using this data make a judgment or
opinion inferred from relevant facts; a final
summary.
Step 6
Conclusion
After completing your experiment you will
make a judgment or opinion inferred from
relevant facts. Write this as a final
summary.
Brain Pop

http://www.brainpop.com/science/scientifici
nquiry/scientificmethod/
Question 1 - Use your notes to answer
these questions.
Define these words:
Conclusion
Hypothesis
Purpose/Question
Results/Data
Procedure/Experiment
Order them in the correct sequence.
Question 2 - Use your flashcards to
answer these questions.
During which stage of the scientific
process are all experimental observations
gathered?
Question 3 - Use your flashcards to
answer these questions.
During which stage of the scientific method
does a scientist make a prediction for the
outcome of his/her experiment?
Question 4 - Use your flashcards to
answer these questions.
During which stage of the scientific
process does a scientist formally report
the information they have gained from
their experiment?
Question 5 - Use your flashcards to
answer these questions.
What part of an experiment is kept in normal
circumstances, so that the scientist has
something to compare their test subjects
to?
Question 6 - Use your flashcards to
answer these questions.
An educated guess that has not been proven,
but is based on knowledge is called what?
Question 7
If you were experimenting to determine if
acid rain affects the growth of pepper
plants, what would you need as a
variable?
Question 8
If you were experimenting to determine if acid
rain affects the growth of strawberry plants,
what would you need as a control?
Question 9
Which of the following is a testable
hypothesis?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Spaghetti is delicious.
Vacationing in the mountains is better
than vacationing at the beach.
Plants need sunlight to be healthy.
School is terrific.
Question 10
Which of the following is not a testable science
question?
1. What is the best place to plant rosebushes?
2. How much light does a cactus need to bloom?
3. How hard is the shell of a dinosaur egg?
4. Does leg length correlate with the distance a
frog can jump?
Question 11
Which event occurs first in the scientific
method?
1. Form a hypothesis.
2. Make an observation.
3. Write a conclusion
4. Prove your experiment.
Question 12
How many independent variables can you
have during an experiment?