2. • The scientific method was
developed so scientists could
test possible explanations to
questions, and allow others to
verify the results

3. • The scientific method
begins when a person
asks a question. For
example, "Do the seeds of
a particular plant species
need light to germinate?"
PROBLEM
What are you trying to prove,
discover, or learn about?

4.  The question is usually
followed by a thorough
search for information
about the topic.
Gather information about what
has already been learned
about the problem.

5.  Hypothesis- a possible explanation for an
observed set of facts.
Based on your research, what
do you think the solution to the
problem is? Sometimes, this is
referred to as an educated
guess.

6.  The experiment must be done under
controlled conditions. This means all factors
that affect the results of the experiment
(called variables) must be controlled
except for the variable being studied.
experiment A carefully designed procedure
used to test the hypothesis.

7.  A collection of information and data
about the experiment.
record/analyze
data
This is a careful examination
of the information gathered
during the experiment.

8.  Make a conclusion based on the results
or data. The conclusion may support or
reject the hypothesis.
conclusion
What is the outcome of the
experiment? Does the data
collected prove or disprove
your hypothesis?

9. example

10. 1. Does vitamin C help to cure a common cold?

11. 2. Read scientific journals and books,
interview friends and family, talk to
medical professionals.

12. 3. Vitamin C does help to reduce the number
of days a person suffers from the common
cold.

13. 4. To test the hypothesis, two groups of 100
cold sufferers are selected. Group A is
given 1,000mg of vitamin C and group B
is given a placebo (sugar pill) each day
for one week beginning with the first day
of cold symptoms.

14. 5. The following data is collected:

15. 6. Vitamin C does not have an effect on
the duration of the common cold,
(rejects the hypothesis)

16. Theories - Explanations that apply to a
broad range of phenomenon and that are
supported by experimental evidence.
Examples:
• Big Bang Theory
• Cell Theory
• Theory of Global Climate Change

17. Scientific Law- a statement that describes
some aspect of a phenomenon that is
always true.
Examples:
• Law of Gravity
• Newton's Laws of Motion
• The law of Stratigraphic Succession