Scientific Method Notes

Hi kiddos! Since I don’t have a voice today

you guys will need to take notes on your

own. I have tried to set things up to make it

easy for you. Don’t forget to use your

note taking paper.

Title your notes – The Scientific Method Don’t forget to only write in the middle space. Do Not write

on the left side, bottom, or back.

Use as many sheets of

paper as you need

to write down the notes.

Write down everything in

The yellow boxes!

The Scientific Method

No

No

Yes

The Scientific Method

What is Science?

What is Science?

Science is a process

that uses observations

and investigations to

gain knowledge about

our natural world.

Major Categories of

Science

• Life Science – All about living things

and their environment.

• Earth Science – All about Earth and

space.

• Physical Science – All about matter

and forces.

Scientific explanations help you

understand what is going on in the

natural world.

• Sometimes explanations must be

modified if new technology or

new information is discovered

Science Tries To Explain Nature

• Scientists learn new information by performing investigations.

– Example Investigation: How do you know if

you have allergies? • Make Observations

• Perform Experiments

• Modeling

Investigations

What is the Scientific

Method?

The Scientific Method is an

organized set of steps used to

conduct investigations.

Ask A Question

Step #1: Ask A Question

• Use Why and How to start your question.

• The question states the problem to be

investigated.

• Should be stated clearly in a complete

sentence.

Gather Information

Step #2: Gather Information • You MUST learn as much as

possible about the background of the

problem before you can begin.

– Conduct your own research

– Read the research from other scientists

Form a Hypothesis

Step #3: Form A Hypothesis • A hypothesis is a sentence that makes a statement.

• The sentence is a possible explanations for the problem; an educated guess.

– It is based on knowledge and observation

– It can be proved or disproved

• ALWAYS use If, than, because to write your

hypothesis! ( If I do this, than this will happen because…)

Example: If I mix two teaspoons of baking soda into 40mL of vinegar, than

the mixture will start to bubble because of the chemical reaction between the

baking soda and vinegar.

Experiment

First Make a detailed list of all the

materials.

Include all items that are needed for

the experiment. Example:

– Teaspoon

– Vinegar

– Baking soda

– Beaker

– Goggles

– Paper towels

Step #4 Experiment: This is done in three parts – Materials, Procedure, Experiment.

Next write the procedure for the experiment step-by-step Example:

Step 1: Get 2 slices of bread

Step 2: Put mustard on the top slice

Step 3: Place a hamburger patty on the bread

Step 4: Put cheese on the patty

Step 5: Add 2 pickles

Step 6: Eat!!

Finally… EXPERIMENT!!!

Results/Data

Step #5: Results/Data • Write down observations before, during, and after the

experiment.

• Write down the results of the experiment in detail.

• Evaluate the data from the experiment.

• Organize the data :

• Paragraph form

• Tables

• Graphs

Make a Conclusion

Step #6: Make a Conclusion • The conclusion is made by looking at the results

and comparing them with the problem. Write

your conclusion in paragraph form.

• Always Include a statement in your conclusion about your hypothesis.

– Did the results support your hypothesis?

– WHY or WHY NOT?

– Explain!!!

Review: The Scientific Method

1. Ask a Question

2. Gather Information

3. Form a Hypothesis

4. Experiment:

Materials/Procedure

5. Results/Data

6. Make a Conclusion