Scientific Method
6 Steps to Follow
Scientific Method

Scientific Method: A series of organized
procedures used to solve problems
 Is a problem solving technique.
 All scientist use this method to answer
questions.
 What are the steps?
1.
State the Problem
2.
Research
3.
Form a Hypothesis
4.
Test/Experiment
5.
Analyze Data
6.
Draw a conclusion
Purpose of Project
 Explain why you are doing
your project.

Example: I noticed that when we
place bread in a drawer it doesn’t
get moldy as fast as when it is left
on the counter. With the cost of
groceries rising, I thought that this
experiment might show a way of
keeping bread fresher longer and
save my family a little money.
1.State the Problem
 In question form.
 Must be open-ended. In other
words, it can not be answered
with a yes or a no.
 It must be testable.
 Something you don’t know the
answer to.
 Must be specific.
2. Research
 Used to educate yourself on
your topic.
 Do use many references from
printed sources—books,
journals, magazines, and
newspapers—as well as
electronic sources—computer
software and online services.
 Do gather information from
professionals —instructors,
librarians, and scientists, such
as physicians and
veterinarians.
Bell Work 9/17/2009
 WooHoo it is almost Friday!!!
 Question:


What do you now know about “Matter”, that
you didn’t know before?
Get ready to turn in your matter research
paragraphs.
3. Form a Hypothesis
 This is your prediction, based
on the research you have done,
that will answer your purpose
statement.
 It is a prediction that can be
tested
 Your hypothesis will be stated
in an “If…., then….” statement.
 Example: “If fertilizer A is used
on the plants, then the plants
will grow larger”
Variables
 IV - Independent
Variable
 What you
physically change
in the experiment.
 Example: the
amount of light
each piece of white
bread receives.
 DV - Dependent
Variable
 The outcome you
are desiring to
achieve.
 This variable is what
is being measured.
 Example: the
amount of mold
grown over a period
of time.
Variables Con’t
 Constants  Control  these are things that
 this is in the norm.
could change in the
 you compare
experiment but you
everything to this.
will keep the same
through each trial.
 Example: White
 Example: type of
bread that is left out
bread, same brand of
based on how it is
bread, bought on the
normally kept at
same day, used same
your house.
type of light, same
room temperature.
Bell Work 9/18/2009
 Identify the IV & DV in the following
statement:
If you were measuring the growth rate of
plants under full sunlight for 8 hours a day
versus plants that only have 4 hours of full
sunlight per day.
4.Performing the
Experiment
 List materials needed first.
 Write the procedure.

They must be numbered.

In logical order and easy to
follow.
 Do have only one independent
variable during an experiment.
 Do repeat the experiment more
than once to verify your results.
 Do have a control.
5. Analyze Data
 Written description of all data. Facts only.
 Examples: Data tables and graphs/charts
6. Conclusion:
Your conclusion must answer your purpose question and
support or reject your hypothesis
1st Paragraph –
State whether your hypothesis was correct or
incorrect. Explain why - support with research data
2nd Paragraph –
State any experimental errors and explain what went right
or wrong. What you would do differently to correct any
problems, in this experiment
3rd Paragraph –
Give your opinion of the lab. Was it helpful, why or why not?
Bell Work 9/21/2009
Journal check today, please look for the following in your
science journal.
9-14: No BW / Scientific Method notes -5 points
9-15: Notes from internet research over Matter- 10 points
9-16: none
9-17: BW: Question over Matter / Notes: Hypothesis to
Variables page – 8 points
9-18: BW: IV & DV example / Notes: Experiment to
Conclusion – 8 points
Bell Work 10/5/09
 10/5: Study guide for Scientific method test
 10/6: SM test
 10/7: Pass out study guide for benchmark
 10/8: Meet in Projection room / Review for final
 10/9: Meet in upstairs instructional lab / 1st Quarter
Benchmark final test
Bell Work Today 10/1
 Quiz today!!!
 You have few minutes to look through the
matter & energy book or look over your
vocabulary