The Scientific Method

Ms. Morenos Science Class

Scientific I nvestigation
Method: Definition
An approach taken to try to
solve a problem
Before you start: Use your skills
of OBSERVATION to get ideas
for a problem you want to solve.
Information obtained directly
or indirectly through the
senses.
6 STEPS
Define and ask the problem
Research Report and
Bibliography
Make a Hypothesis
Write exact procedures and
conduct the Experiment
Collect Data
Draw a Conclusion
1. Problem
Think: What do you
want to find out?
State the problem as a
question.
Make the question as specific
as possible.
2. Research and
Write a short report
*Look up current background
information on your topic. Explain your
topic and find out what other
experiments have been done. Tell why
the topic interests you.
*This will help guide and lead you in the
right direction in your experiment.
*You must reference your sources by
creating a bibliography. You should cite
at least 5 sources. Use Bibme for help.
3. Hypothesis: prediction based on
your research
Make a statement about what you predict
is the answer to the problem question.
Use the If Then format.
The hypothesis should explain what
happens to the dependent variable as you
manipulate the independent variable.
Dont worry about guessing right! If you
already know the answer then it is not an
investigation.
4. Experiment
The experiment will test the
hypothesis. What is the independent
variable you are changing? What is the
dependent variable that you will measure?
What will be the control for comparison?
What are the constants that you keep the
same so the test is fair.
Write a clear step-by-step procedure so
that another person can repeat the same
experiment exactly. All measurements
must be in metrics.
5. Analyze Data
Keep a log book with all
your information. (You will turn this in
with your show board so data can be
verified.)
Record all data and analysis in your log
book. Do several trials to verify your
results.
Make charts and graphs to show the
results clearly.
Do you need more information? If so,
you may need to continue your
experiment and carefully analyze results.
6. Conclusion
A conclusion has 3 parts:
1-Write a statement telling whether
the data supports your hypothesis.
(It is fine if it doesnt support it since
you still learned something.)
2-Restate what did happen in your
experiment.
3- Expand since sometimes your
conclusion may lead you into further
experimentation.
Present Your Results to the class
Mount all information correctly on a show
board. (Boards are available at the school store
and at office supply stores.)
Use rubber cement, cut neatly and mount on
colored background paper so it is more
interesting and not just all white. Follow the
example for required set up.
Write a 250 word abstract summary of your
experiment and attach on lower left corner.
Bring show board to class on due date and be
ready to present your findings to class.