Scientific Method

Earth and Space- 6th Grade

Scientific Method

The scientific method is the only scientific way accepted to back up a theory or idea. This is the method on which all research projects AND experiments should be based. The Scientific Method is used by researchers to support or disprove a theory.

Steps to Follow

1. Make an observation and develop a question.

2. Make a hypothesis to prove or disprove the question being asked.

3. Conduct the experiment.

4. Analyze the data.

5. Draw conclusions.

6. Communicate results.

Step 1

Make an observation and develop a question. Observation- You observe something in the

material world, using your senses or machines which are basically extensions of those senses.

Question- what do you want to prove?

AH—Look at this!

Step 2

Make a hypothesis to prove or disprove the question being asked. Hypothesis- Using an if…then…because format

predict the answer to your question. Ex: If I study hard, then I will get an A in the class

because I took the time to be concerned about my grade.

Step 3

Conduct the experiment. Experiment- Design and conduct

an experiment to prove your hypothesis. The test variable is what changes in the experiment. The outcome variable is what is measured in the experiment. The outcome of your experiment must be measurable (quantifiable). Record and analyze data.

Step 4

Analyze the data. You do the experiment following the steps given

and record the results. You repeat the experiment to confirm your results by retesting.

For science fair projects, a minimal

of 10 trials are required.

Step 5

Draw conclusions. State Conclusion- You state whether your

hypothesis was confirmed or not. Explain your results and explain what you would

change if given the opportunity

to do it again.

Step 6

Communicate results. Results- You must be able to explain your

experiment, step by step, in a way that allows others to replicate the same

experiment, step by step, with the

goal of achieving the same results.