The Scientific Method (7 Steps and Worksheet)

Credit: http://scienceinvestigators.wikispaces.com/The+Scientific+Method

The 7 Steps of The Scientific Method Explained

Step 1: Make an Observation

• An observation is the beginning of everything
• What you perceive with your senses? What can you observe about the chosen topic?

Step 2: Ask a Question

• Based on your observations
• Developing a problem that can be solved by the process of experimenting
• Usually a “How’ or “Why” question?

Step 3: Conduct Research

• Have the subject knowledge and collect information needed to know about the subject of the experiment

• This is used to build the hypothesis

Step 4: Form a Hypothesis

• Hypothesis is a well jotted out forecast to the answer of the certain problem
• It is carried out based on research and prior knowledge.

• An answer to the question framed.
• There is no right or wrong hypothesis using our question lets develop a hypothesis.
• Format of Hypothesis
  • Generally two formats are used: “If…then…because…” and “I think…because…”
  • Both formats include the all important “because statement” used to justify our supposed forecast.

Step 5: Conduct Experiment

• This is where an experiment is conducted.
• A set of repetitive methods is developed to conduct the experiment.
• The main aim is to test our hypothesis by collecting the facts and data
• Includes variables – a measuring quantity that is used or changed during the experiment.
• What are our variables used in the experiment?
• Independent variable or dependent variable

Step 6: Analyze Data

• Organizing the data and solving the problem with the calculations
• Explaining the data gathered from the experiment.
• Lastly, observations, information and data are collected from the experiment.
• Use of pictorial representation via charts, graphs, averages, percentages, etc.

Step 7: Report Conclusions

• A summary of results, the answer to the chosen question.
  • What could go wrong and what are the possible sources of error?
  • Does your data (answer) support your hypothesis? Why or why not? What conclusion can you make about your topic
• To check whether the data supports the hypothesis.
• Revise
• Yes then you made a scientific Discovery!!
• If No make a new hypothesis and test again.

Review Quiz: Check Point

Answer the following

1. What is the Scientific Method?
2. What is forming question?
3. How to test your hypothesis?
4. How will you analyze data?
5. What is the process of conclusion?

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