The Scientific Method (Write words in yellow only in your foldable)
Some of the most important discoveries are a result of
questioning why things are the way they are. That is how
science begins. In order for scientists to investigate and answer
questions about the natural world, they have to follow a
series of steps called the scientific method. It’s kind of like a road map that
scientists use in order to understand how things work and why they work the way they do.
Step One: Observations
When using the scientific method, one of the first steps involves making
observations, or gathering information on a topic of interest. This step comes
natural to most people. It involves using the 5 senses to see, hear, taste, touch,
or smell what is going on in the world.
Step Two: Problem
The next step is to come up with a problem, or a good question to be
answered. Ask yourself questions about something that interests you and what
you would like to learn more about. Does something seem strange to you? Do
you want to find out how something works? Questions should be clear and
testable, not opinions or questions that test more than one thing.
Step Three: Hypothesis
The next stage of the scientific method involves forming a hypothesis,
or a possible solution to the problem. This is when scientists use what they
already know and have observed, to say what they believe the outcome of the
experiment will be. The best part about a hypothesis is that it is simply a
prediction of what you think is going to happen. If a scientist’s results do not match their hypothesis,
this does NOT mean that the experiment was a failure.
Step Four: Experiment
The most important and exciting step of the scientific method is
conducting experiments . In this phase, scientists design and carry out tests, or
trials, that will help them determine if their hypothesis is correct. This step also
requires scientists to write down clear and concise procedures, or steps to
follow, and to keep a list of the materials used. Keeping such careful records
will allow other scientists to repeat the experiment at a later date.
Step Five: Results
As scientists work on their experiments, they are constantly making
observations and collecting data. This part of the process is known as the
results. It is important to keep careful records so that they can be shared with
other scientists. Data can also be in the form of notes, tables, pictures, charts,
and even graphs.
Step Six : Conclusion
The final step is the conclusion. This involves analyzing and summarizing the results.
This is also where scientists reveal whether or not the data found
supports their original hypothesis.
If results do not support the hypothesis, scientists do NOT go back and change their predictions.
Instead they try to figure out what might have been wrong with their hypothesis.