Steps of

1
Steps of the Scientific Method
2

• The Scientific Method involves a series of steps
  that are used to investigate a natural
  occurrence.

3
Scientific Method

• Problem/Question
• Observation/Research
• Formulate a Hypothesis
• Experiment
• Collect and Analyze Results
• Conclusion
• Communicate the Results

4
Steps of the Scientific Method

• 1. Problem/Question Develop a question or
  problem that can be solved through
  experimentation.

5
Steps of the Scientific Method

• 2. Observation/Research Make observations and
  research your topic of interest.

6
Do you remember the next step?
7
Steps of the Scientific Method

• 3. Formulate a Hypothesis Predict a possible
  answer to the problem or question.
• Example If soil temperatures rise, then plant
  growth will increase.

8
Steps of the Scientific Method

• 4. Experiment Develop and follow a procedure.
• Include a detailed materials list.
• The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).

9
Steps of the Scientific Method

• 5. Collect and Analyze Results Modify the
  procedure if needed.
• Confirm the results by retesting.
• Include tables, graphs, and photographs.

10
Steps of the Scientific Method

• 6. Conclusion Include a statement that accepts
  or rejects the hypothesis.
• Make recommendations for further study and
  possible improvements to the procedure.

11
Steps of the Scientific Method

• 7. Communicate the Results Be prepared to
  present the project to an audience.
• Expect questions from the audience.

12
Think you can name all seven steps?
Problem/Question
Observation/Research
Formulate a Hypothesis
Experiment
Collect and Analyze Results
Conclusion
Communicate the Results
13
Stating the Problem

• What invisible trail does a rattlesnake follow in
  tracking down its bitten prey?

14
Gathering Information

• A rattlesnakes eyes are only sensitive to visible
  light
• A pair of organs located under the eyes detect
  invisible light in the form of heat
• A rattlers tongue smells certain odors in the
  air
• The sight or smell of an unbitten animal does not
  trigger the rattlers tracking action

15
Hypothesis

• After the snake wounds its victim, the snake
  follows the smell of its own venom to locate the
  animal

16
Experiment

• Drag a dead mouse that has been struck and
  poisoned by a rattlesnake along a curved path on
  the bottom of an empty cage
• Place the snake in the cage
• The snake follows the exact trail that has been
  laid out
• Control
• Drag an unbitten dead mouse along the path
• The snake seems disinterested

17
Recording and Analyzing Data

• Do the experiment many times
• Record the data

18
Conclusion

• The scent of venom was the only factor that could
  cause a rattlesnake to follow its bitten victim.