Steps of the Scientific

Method
 What is the scientific method?

The Scientific Method

involves a series of
steps that are used to
investigate a natural
occurrence.
We will study the steps of
the scientific method
and eventually design
our own experiments.
Steps of the Scientific Method
Problem/Question
Observation/Research
Formulate a Hypothesis
Experiment
Collect and Analyze Results
Conclusion
Communicate the Results
 Steps of the Scientific Method
1. Problem/Question: Develop a question or
problem that can be solved through
experimentation.
 Steps of the Scientific Method
John watches his Grandma bake bread.
Grandma explains that yeast eats sugar in the
bread dough and releases gas which makes the
bread rise.

John wonders – Will the amount of sugar in the

recipe affect the size of a bread loaf?
 Steps of the Scientific Method
2. Observation/Research:
Observation/Research Make observations
and research your topic of interest.
• John researches how baking and fermentation
works. He keeps all of his research
information in a journal.
 Steps of the Scientific Method
3. Formulate a Hypothesis:
Hypothesis Predict a possible
answer to the problem or question.
 Hypothesis
The hypothesis is an educated guess about the
relationship between the independent and
dependent variables.
If IV then DV.
• Null hypothesis states that no relationship
between variables.

• Alternative hypothesis states that a

relationship between variables.
 What are IV and DV?
• Independent Variable – the factor that is
intentionally manipulated or changed in an
experiment. Valid experiments have only one
independent variable.

• Dependent Variable – the factor that may

change as a result of changes made in the
independent variable. The dependent variable
must be measureable.
After talking with his teacher and conducting
further research, he comes up with a
hypothesis.
“If more sugar is added, then the bread will rise
higher.”
 Steps to the Scientific Method
4. Experiment:
Experiment Develop and follow a procedure.
Include a detailed materials list.
The outcome must be measurable
(quantifiable).
 Control Group
The control group serves as the
standard of comparison in an
experiment.
The control group may be a “no
treatment” group.
All experiments should have a
control group.
 Experiment
Is a set of manipulation or specific observation
of nature and considered the most important
scientific method

There are three types of experiments

Controlled, Natural and Field experiment
 Trials
There must be multiple trials of an experiment
for it to be considered valid.
 Controlled experiment
• Generally compares the results obtain from an
experimental sample against the control
sample
 Variables
• Is a characteristic, number or quantity that
increases or decreases over time or takes
different values in different situations.
• There are three kinds of variables
 Three kinds of variables
• Controlled variables
• Are variables that are kept constant
• Independent variables
• Are factors that you changes or alter during
experiment
• Dependent variables
• Are variables that you observe and they
considered the response to an independent
variables
 Natural experiment
• are those rely on solely on observation of
variables of system under study
 Field experiment
• Is named to draw a contrast with laboratory
experiments.
 Prediction
• Is a forecast of future events based on past
observation.
There are fair test that ensure your
data
• Control group- the part of experiment without
the variable is being tested

• Experimental group- the part contains the

variable is being tested
 Steps to the Scientific Method
5. Collect and Analyze Results:
Results Modify the
procedure if needed.
Confirm the results by retesting.
Include tables, graphs, and photographs.
 Size of Baked Bread (LxWxH) cm3

Size of Bread Loaf (cm3)

Trials
Amt. of Average
1 2 3
Sugar (g.) Size (cm3)

50 1296 1440 1296 1344

Control group

60 1404 1296 1440 1380

70 1638 1638 1560 1612

80 1404 1296 1296 1332

90 1080 1200 972 1084

 Steps to the Scientific Method
6. Conclusion:
Conclusion Include a statement that accepts
or rejects the hypothesis.
Make recommendations for further study and
possible improvements to the procedure.
 Conclusion
• Is a summary of the results of the experiment
and the statement of how the results match
up the hypothesis
 Theory and Law
• If the conclusion has been tested often
enough and showed valid and reliable result
each time it becomes theory, a scientifically
accepted fact.
• A theory has been tested and confirmed by
various experiments then it becomes scientific
law, a statement or principle that is usually
accepted
 Steps to the Scientific Method
7. Communicate the Results:
Results Be prepared to
present the project to an audience.
Expect questions from the audience.