The Scientific Method

• Definition: A systematic way of investigating questions and solving problems by making observations, forming hypotheses, experimenting, and drawing conclusions.
• It is used to discover and prove scientific knowledge: the process by which we learn and verify facts about the natural world.

Learning Objectives

• Define and understand the scientific method.
• Enumerate the steps in undertaking research following the scientific method.
• Conduct an investigation applying the scientific method.

What is the Scientific Method?

• The Scientific Method is a systematic approach to investigate questions and solve problems through observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and drawing conclusions.

Steps in the Scientific Method

• Step 01: ASK QUESTION — What do you want to find out?
• Step 02: GATHER INFO — Learn what's already known about the topic.
• Step 03: FORM A HYPOTHESIS — Make an educated guess or prediction.
• Step 04: EXPERIMENT / TEST THE HYPOTHESIS — Plan and do an experiment to test if your guess is correct.
• Step 05: ANALYZE DATA — Look at the results of your experiment.
• Step 06: DRAW CONCLUSIONS — Decide if your hypothesis was right or wrong.
• Step 07: COMMUNICATE RESULTS — Share what you learned with others.

Scientific Knowledge

• SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE refers to what we have learned.

The Scientific Method (Process)

• The process of how we discover and prove it.

Group Activity

• Mini Investigation Challenge

Group Activity: Example questions

• Why do ice cubes melt faster on metal than on wood?
• Does the amount of sunlight affect how fast a plant grows?
• Why does bread mold faster in a plastic bag vs open air?
• Does the color of a container affect how quickly water heats up?

Group Activity Steps

• 1. ASK QUESTION
• 2. GATHER INFO
• 3. FORM A HYPOTHESIS
• 4. EXPERIMENT / TEST THE HYPOTHESIS
• 5. ANALYZE THE DATA
• 6. DRAW THE CONCLUSIONS
• 7. COMMUNICATE RESULTS

Closing

• THANK YOU!
• Any questions? Don't hesitate to ask for our help.