What is the Scientific Method?

What is the first step in the scientific method?

• Form a hypothesis

• Make an observation

• Conduct an experiment

• Draw a conclusion

What is a hypothesis?

• A random guess with no reason

• A question you ask at the end of the experiment

• An “if…then…” statement that you can test

• A list of steps to follow in an experiment

Which of these is an example of a hypothesis?

• The sun is hot.

• If plants get more sunlight, then they will grow taller.

• Plants need water.

• I saw a tall sunflower.

Why do scientists do experiments?

• To have fun in the lab

• To test their hypothesis and collect data

• To skip steps of the scientific method

• To prove they are always right

What do scientists do after they finish their experiment and collect data?

• Throw away the data

• Draw a conclusion

• Ask another question right away

• Write a new hypothesis first

What does a conclusion tell scientists?

• Whether their hypothesis was correct or not

• What their favorite part of the experiment was

• That the experiment is always perfect

• That they will never have to test again

Which of the following is a theory?

• A single guess that hasn’t been tested yet

• A summary of many experiments and observations

• The first idea that comes to mind

• A short answer with no evidence

Which of these is NOT one of the steps in the scientific method?

• Observation

• Question

• Experiment

• Memorize facts