SCIENTIFIC

METHOD
Step 1: Identifying the Problem
Review Steps of Scientific Method

Identifying the Communicating

Problem/Question Results

Making Hypothesis Drawing Conclusion

Testing the Hypothesis

Analyzing Data
(Experimentation)

Gathering Data
(Observation)
Step 1: Identifying the problem

A scientific problem is a question that you

are trying to answer or solve.
A problem is a question which can be tested
through an experiment.
Sample Scientific Problem
◦ What will happen if I put soda on my cactus plant? Will it
die or not?
◦ Does shifting schedule affects students progress in class?
◦ Which brand of alcohol kills bacteria effectively?
◦ Who among the students in science class has higher IQ?
Activity
In your group, you will make 3 paper balls in
different sizes. If you are done, hold each
paper ball one meter from the ground and drop
from its height. Afterwards, you will generate
as many questions as you can for 5 minutes.
Analysis
1.How was the activity?
2.Were you able to construct a problem
immediately?
3.Why is there a need for you to observe first?
Observation vs. Inference
Observing is a process skill using the senses to gather
information about objects or phenomena.

Ex. The candle flame is yellow.

Inferring is providing a logical interpretation or explanation

based on prior knowledge and experience. Inference is a
statement of an idea from an observation.

Ex. The candle flame is yellow due to unburned carbon.

How do we write a scientific
problem/question?
In stating the problem, try to narrow it
down and be very specific.
It may start with which, is, are, or how and should
end up with question mark.
 Sample exercise
There were group of students who conducted an experiment in
which they planted identical plants in the same pots with the
same kind of soil. One pot was added with 5 grams of fertilizer
while the other has no fertilizer. They watered the plants with the
same amount at the same time of the day for two weeks.
◦Problem:
___________________________________________________.
Seatwork 1.__

Directions: Read the situations and determine the problem

implied in it.  
1. Maria was tasked by her mother to prepare milk for her
younger brother. She prepared two bottles with the same
amount of milk. She’s wondering if she’s going to use hot or
cold water at the same volume.
Problem:
_________________________________________________.
Seatwork 1.__
2. Mona was eating hotdog burger when accidentally the
ketchup spilled on her blouse. When she reaches home,
her mother wants her to wash her blouse without
decolorizing it using either one of the two detergents
provided (Ariel and Surf).
Problem:
____________________________________________.
 Abstraction & Application
◦What is meant by the first step of scientific
method?
◦What common problem(s) did you encounter at
home and in school which can be solved through
an investigation?
 SCIENTIFIC
METHOD
Step 2: Formulating a Hypothesis
What is a hypothesis (plural:
hypotheses)?

A hypothesis is an educated guess.

It is a possible answer to the question.

How to write a hypothesis?

◦Hypothesis is often stated in a “cause-and-

effect” manner.
Ex. If a plant is given enough water, then it will
grow well.
How to write a hypothesis?

In other way around, one can begin with an

observation, followed by an explanation or
prediction.
Ex. The plant needs water so that it will grow
well.
Sample exercise
There were group of students who conducted an experiment in
which they planted identical plants in the same pots with the same
kind of soil. One pot was added with 5 grams of fertilizer while
the other has no fertilizer. They watered the plants with the same
amount at the same time of the day for two weeks.
◦Problem: Which of the plants grow faster?
◦Hypothesis: If the plant is given fertilizer, then it will grow faster.
Directions: Read the situations and determine the hypothesis
implied in it.
1. Maria was tasked by her mother to prepare milk for her
younger brother. She prepared two bottles with the same
amount of milk. She’s wondering if she’s going to use hot
or cold water at the same volume.
Problem: Which of the water will dissolve the milk faster?
Hypothesis:
_________________________________________________.
2. Mona was eating hotdog burger when accidentally the
ketchup spilled on her blouse. When she reaches home,
her mother wants her to wash her blouse without
decolorizing it using either one of the two detergents
provided (Ariel and Surf).
Problem: Which of the two detergent will not decolorize
Mona’s blouse?
Hypothesis:
____________________________________________.
 Let’s Try this!

Formulate a hypothesis for every question.

1. How does classroom temperature affect students’
performance in a test?
2. Does the type of soil affect the growth of plants?
3. How do computer games affect student’s attitude towards
school?
Homework 1.3
Go over your module 1 in Science. Perform the Mold
Bread Experiment in page 5. Collect data and record
your observation for 5 days (from Friday to Tuesday).
Organize your data through a PowerPoint
presentation and send it to your teacher. Prepare to
share your finding in the next meeting.