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!
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