The Scientific Method

Question

something you ask to learn more about the world around you

Hypothesis

an educated prediction about what the answer could be.

How is a hypothesis written?

In the if-then-because format.

Experiment

a test to see if your hypothesis is correct

Observation

any information collected by using the five senses. This is a pure fact, and does not have an opinion.

Quantitative Observation

information that can be expressed using numbers, and can be counted or measured.

Examples of Quantitative Observations

quantity, temperature, mass, and length.

Qualitative Observation

information that describes the qualities or characteristics of something.

Examples of Qualitative Observations

colors, tastes, smells, sounds, and textures

Inference

A logical conclusion,, or explanation, that is made based on observations and other pieces of evidence.

Analysis

to look for patterns in the observations and data; make graphs and charts

Conclusion

a summary or explanation about whether your hypothesis was right or wrong based on the observation and data you collected. Usually written in R.A.C.E.S. or C.E.R.(C) format.

Claim

a statement that answers the scientific question.

Evidence

data or observations that support your claim.

Reasoning

explains how evidence supports a claim

Concluding Sentence

the last sentence in a conclusion that summarizes the main points while restating the claim.

Variable

Any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in differing amounts or types

Independent Variable

variable that is changed /controlled by the scientist

Dependent Variable

responds to the change made to the independent variable (Data Collected by the scientist)

Controlled Variable

a thing that a scientist wants to remain the same throughout the experiment. It is also called a constant.

Graph

a diagram that shows a relationship between two or more changing variables by lines, bars, dots, or portions of a circle.

Citation

a quote or reference to a book, author, or other source of information.

The Scientific Method

a set of procedures that scientists follow in order to gain knowledge about the world.