Scientific Method

Question or Problem - the step when you wonder about a problem that will become the purpose of the experiment
Research - the step when you find out more information about the experiment and what has been done before
Hypothesis - the step when you make an educated guess about the outcome of the experiment, written as an "If... then..." statement
Conduct Experiment - the step when you perform the procedures and list materials to test the hypothesis
Analyze your Data (aka Observe and Record Results) - the step when you watch what happens and write down qualitative and /or quantitative data in a chart or table
Conclusion (aka Report your Results) - the step when you summarize your experiment, share your data, decide if your hypothesis was correct, and determine what could be improved for next time. In order to verity the results, experiments must be retested.

Scientific Method Vocabulary

Variable - things that change or can be changed in an experiment
Independent variable - what causes the changes in an experiment. Written in the first part of the hypothesis (after the "If"). Should be only one variable to test for each experiment.
Dependent variable - the changes measured in an experiment. Written in the second part of the hypothesis (after the "then").
Control Variables/Group - things that are NOT manipulated/changed; not being tested; used for comparison
Qualitative Data - using the senses to gather information about something... without numbers
Quantitive Data - using the senses to gather information about something... with numbers
Hypothesis - educated guess; must be testable; predicts an outcome
Inference - using observations and your knowledge to identify what might happen next or why a result occurred
Observation - using many senses as possible to gather and record information

	Created by Patty Wei Potter over 5 years ago

Note on Science-6th Grade-Trimester 1, created by Patty Wei Potter on 13/11/2018.