The document discusses the scientific method which involves asking a question, forming a hypothesis, testing the hypothesis through experiments or observations, analyzing the results, drawing a conclusion, and communicating the results. It provides details on each step, including defining key terms like observation, inference, hypothesis, and controlled experiments. The overall process scientists follow to systematically solve problems and add to scientific knowledge is outlined.

1. Scientific Method

2. Vocabulary
1. observation- information gained by
using the senses.
2. Inference- conclusion based on
evidence of premises.
3. Hypothesis- an explanation that is
based on prior research or observation
and that can be tested.

3. What Are Scientific Methods?
• Scientific Method- A series of
steps followed to solve
problems.
• The steps are not always
followed in the same order.

4. What are the steps in the scientific
method?
• Ask a question
• Form a Hypothesis
• Test the hypothesis
• Analyze the results
• Draw a conclusion
• Communicate results

5. Ask a question
• Scientists often ask questions after
observation.
• Observation- The process of obtaining
information by using the senses.
• Example- What is the effect of
temperature on the speed a worm travels?

6. Hypothesis
• Hypothesis- An idea or
explanation that is based on prior
scientific research or observations
and that can be tested.
• Sometimes called an educated
guess.

7. Hypothesis continued
• Usually stated as an if then
sentence.
• Example- If temperature
increases, then the speed a worm
travels will increase.

8. Test the hypothesis
• Scientists test the hypothesis by
gathering data.
• Data- any pieces of information
acquired through observation or
experimentation.
• Sometimes a controlled experiment is
used.

9. Test hypothesis continued
• Controlled experiments test
only one factor at a time.
• The one factor that is changed
is called the variable.

10. • The manipulated variable is the variable
that the scientist purposely changes.
• If I am testing the effect of temperature on
earthworm travel speed then the
manipulated variable is the temperature.

11. • The responding variable is the variable
that changes as a result of the
manipulated variable.
• In the worm example the responding
variable is the speed that the worm
travels.

12. Test hypothesis continued again
• Sometimes scientists test without an
experiment by observing and
collecting data.
• Example- The scientist might
observe birds to see what type of tree
they nest in.

13. Analyze the results
• To analyze results scientists often
use tables and graphs.
• Example- Putting all of the
measurements and into graphs
and charts.

14. Draw a conclusion
• Decide whether the data supports the
hypothesis or not.
• If it does not support the hypothesis scientists
may repeat the experiment to check for mistakes
or ask a new question and form a new
hypothesis.
• Example- From the data it has been discovered
that as temperature rises earthworm speed
increases. One might wonder if the same is true
in other types of worms.

15. Communicate results
• Scientists share results by writing reports
or giving talks.
• Science depends on sharing.
• It allows others to repeat the experiment.
• Openness and replication of experimental
results keeps a scientists believability.