2. The Scientific Method
• A series of steps used to solve a problem…
• Not just a method used by scientists.
It’s used by everyone all the time!

3. Step #1: Observe and Question
• Ex) Fall leaves change color…
• What question(s) might you ask
yourself?

4. • A hypothesis is testable
explanation.
• Ex) Maple leaves change
color when the air
temperature drops.
• Written in an “If…then”
format
• Ex.) If the air temperature
drops below 50 degrees,
then leaves begin to
change color.

5. • Part where you set up experiments
and use a bunch fancy words (variable,
control, etc.).
• It is important to conduct an
experiment that involves only one
variable at a time.

6. • (Manipulative)
Variable- factor
tested, what “changes”
• Control group- NOT
exposed variable
• Experimental group-
exposed variable

7. • During any experiment, it is important to collect
data.
• Data is information that is obtained from your
experiment.
• It does not have to be numerical data
(quantitative) it can also be visual data
(qualitative).
• Ex) 14 degrees Celcius - 25 leaves changed
22 degrees Celcius - 2 leaves changed

8. Step #5 and #6: Conclude and Repeat
• Review your data to make sure it
supports or refutes your
hypothesis.
• If the results are not what is
expected, revise the hypothesis.
• A good scientist will repeat the
experiment.
• Theory- unifying explanation for
MANY observations, well
supported hypothesis.

9. Review…
• Steps of scientific method…
1.Observe and question
2.Form a hypothesis
3.Test (perform an experiment)
4. Collect data
5.Conclude
6. Repeat

10. Review…
• Steps of scientific method…
1.Observe and question
2.Form a hypothesis
3.Test (perform an experiment)
4. Collect data
5.Conclude
6. Repeat