Overview of the Scientific Method

1. Make (objective) observation/ask question.

2. State a problem based upon observation/question.

3. Research problem.

4.  Create a hypothesis, based upon problem, in an "If.....then....." format.

5. Make a prediction.

6. Create a controlled experiment that tests hypothesis.

   Keep the following in mind when explaining your experimental set-up:

         Experimental variable (EV) (what you want to test)

         Control variable (CV) (what you are going to compare to your EV)

         Controlled/constant conditions for experiment (what variables stay the same for both EV & CV)

         What type of data you are going to collect and why.

         Sample size or number of samples you will take.

7. Make a conclusion based upon the results.

    Analyze data (if statistics are used, H_O & H_A)

    Explain how data support or do not support the (If....then...) hypothesis.

8. Repeat until a consistent result is found.