Scientific method

Scientific Method

Series of steps used to answer a question

Step 1: Observation

Observations are the basis for forming hypotheses and making predictions.

Step 2: Questions

Questions are the “why”. What am I investigating?

Step 3: Hypothesis

Educated guess, If…then…

Step 4: Experiment

Test your hypothesis & prediction

Independent variable

changed ON PURPOSE by the scientist

Dependent variable

What the scientist measures in an experiment

Control Variable

Items that stay the same

Validity

3 times

Control Group

original (for comparison)

Experimental group

gets the change (IV)