Using The Scientific Method
Directions: Use the links in this web activity
to learn about the Scientific Method. Answer sheets
How does the scientific method help you solve problems?
TIP - Read the content under each circled number on the web page.
1. What is the scientific method?
2. Why do scientists use the scientific method?
3. Write the 5 steps of the scientific method in order.
4. State the Problem - Why is it important to clearly state the problem?
Read the example
of a problem. Write your own original example of a problem.
(You
will use this problem through out this activity.) An
abundance of ideas.
The next step in the scientific method is -
5. The act of noting and recording something with instruments is called
Consider the examples of observations for the paper towels for the absorption experiment..
For the problem you gave question in 4, write two observations you can measure and record.
Think about it - name the measuring tools you will need for the observation you listed.
The next step in the scientific method is -
6. In the scientific method, when you make an educated guess as to what the outcome might be you are
What words can you help form a hypothesis?
Form a hypothesis for your example in question 4.
7. Scientists test their hypothesis by
Make a checkmark next to the correct answer(s):
Scientists must be careful in their testing because
Equipment costs a lot and they must not break it.
They can make an experiment that favors their hypothesis.
If their hypothesis is incorrect, they have failed.
The
Procedure is an explanation of how you will conduct the experiment
to test your hypothesis.
What
are the key things to include in the procedure?
8. During the experiment the scientist collects data. What are data?
What data could you collect for the hypothesis you formed in question 6?
9. The things that have an effect on the experiment are called variables.
For the paper towel experiment described earlier
The independent variable is -
The dependent variable is -
The controlled variables are -
In the paper towel experiment - which of these is not a variable?
Temperature of the water Color of the paper towel Size of the container holding the water. Age of the scientist
10. How can you organize an experiment's data?
11. In the Conclusion, the scientist
What are the two conclusions that can be formed for any experiment?
12. True or False - Only scientists use the scientific method.
Explore one of these demonstrations of the scientific method being used.
Extras:
? Test yourself using this online quiz. Document your score here: _____________________
? Hone your observation skills using an Observation Skill Builder exercise. Do one or more.
Proportions - Measure height using shadows 
* Scientific Method - inquiry wheel
Watch Green Thumbs video - future channel Conduct the experiment. What are your findings?
? Capturing Carbon - Nova Science Now online video Jul. 2008
An eighth-grader's science fair project prompts her scientist father to develop a new way to pull excess carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
? Milkweed and Monarch Butterfly Science Journal | Bluebirds Project Journal activity
? Create a graph - explore this outstanding site to become a skilled chart maker
Science Observation skill builders - 35 engaging exercises
? Explore these Internet based activities to extend your scientific experiences.
? What about the "Scientific Method?" | ? Incorporating Technology into the Scientific Method
? The Scientific Method web site used for this activity. | ? What is the Scientific Method?
Explore a science subject at Science Close Up gr 1-6
Mythbusters - Instead of choosing a formal scientific question, students choose a myth to prove or disprove using scientific and problem solving means.
? The Scientific Method - watch this report about the challenges of air quality in one community.
How did the reporter use the scientific method?
"Did you learn that from a book or did you observe it yourself?" Maria Mitchell Astronomer
Internet Hunts / Nature / Computers / Puzzles & Projects / Pennsylvania Project / Problem Based Learning / Site map / Home
2006 Cindy O'Hora Educators may print an activity, exactly as it appears, for use in a non profit classroom setting. updated 4/2009
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.5 License.
Save a tree - use a Digital Answer Sheet: Highlight the text of the questions on this web page, copy them - Edit .. Copy. Open a text document or word processing document. Paste the questions into the blank document. Answer the questions in the word processing document in a contrasting color ( not yellow) or font (avoid fancy fonts like: 
, Symbol, 
or 
. Save frequently as you work. I do not like losing my work. You will not like it either. Put your name and the date in a header. Bad things happen. Retain a copy of your work on your computer. Submit your assignment via a class electronic drop box or email attachment.
Proof your responses. It is funny how speling errors and typeos sneak in to the bets work. 
Make Your Own Printed answer sheet
Tech Tip: Working in a group or in two different places like the library & home? You do not have to be physically together to work together.
Watch Google Docs video TAI - How could you use free, Google Docs to do a project?
National Educational Technology Standards for Students
Aligned with Pennsylvania Academic Standards Science and Technology, Arts, Reading, Ecology & Environment, Writing, History, Civics and Government