scientific method
a series of steps that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems
problem
always in form of a question; the question we are trying to answer by doing the experiment
hypothesis
An educated guess
data and results
A summary of the data you have collected (graphs, tables, charts, photos, etc.); all your observations from the experiment
conclusion
the answer to your question; a summary of what you have learned from an experiment
control group
part of an experiment that does not contain a variable; all conditions are kept normal; used as a COMPARISON
independent/manipulated variable
factor in an experiment that a scientist purposely changes; the cause
dependent/responding variable
the factor that is measured; the result/effect of the experiment
Problem
The question you want to answer. Inquiry has led to many discoveries in science. Ask your question.
Hypothesis
Tell what you think is the answer to the problem
Hypothesis
Should be written as an "if...then" or an "I think that..." statement
Experiments
Test your hypothesis. You may need to do this step more than once to see if the results are the same each time.
Data
Organize into charts, tables, drawing, and diagrams. You can decide what the information means.
Conclusion
Compare your results and hypothesis. Decide if your hypothesis is right or wrong. Tell what you decide.
Procedure
The step by step directions to follow in the experiment
Materials
The tools needed in an experiment
Observations
You use the 5 senses to gather information
Hypothesis
Prediction; can be wrong