Scientific

Processes

The Scientific Process

What is Science?

• Comes from the Latin word scientia, which means “knowledge”

• A process that uses observation and investigation to gain knowledge about events in nature.

• Major categories include: Life, Earth and Physical

Science is based on:

• Theory: Explanation based on knowledge gained from observations and investigations.

• Law: Statement about what happens in nature that seems to be true all of the time.

• The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that

are used to investigate a

natural occurrence.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

1. Problem/Question

2. Observation/Research

3. Formulate a Hypothesis

4. Experiment

5. Collect and Analyze Results

6. Conclusion

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

1. Problem/QuestionProblem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can

be solved through experimentation.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

2. Observation/ResearchObservation/Research: Make observations and research

your topic of interest.

Do you remember the Do you remember the next step?next step?

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

3. Formulate a HypothesisFormulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to

the problem or question.

• Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will

increase.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

4. ExperimentExperiment: Develop and follow a procedure.

• Include a detailed materials list.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

5. Collect and Analyze ResultsCollect and Analyze Results: Modify the procedure if needed.

• Confirm the results by retesting.

• Include tables, graphs, and photographs.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

6. ConclusionConclusion: Include a statement that accepts or

rejects the hypothesis.• Make recommendations for

further study and possible improvements to the

procedure.

Think you can name all Think you can name all six steps?six steps?

Do you know the difference Do you know the difference between the control and the between the control and the

variable?variable?

• Control:Control:– The part of the experiment that does not change.

• This is used to compare the results

• Variable:Variable:– The factor that can cause a change in the result of

your experiment.– There are two types of variables:

• 1. Independent: What you change in the experiment.

• 2. Dependant: What changed due to your experiment?

Control vs. VariableControl vs. Variable

• Why is it Important to have controls and variables in an experiment?