science

• Scientific method


  A step-by-step procedure for solving problems and answering questions about the world
• Steps of the scientific method

  • Making an observation
  • Asking a question
  • Formulating a hypothesis
  • Testing the hypothesis through experimentation
  • Recording and analyzing the results
  • Drawing a conclusion
  • Communicating the results
• Observation


  The process of gathering information about things around you using your senses
• Senses used for observation

  • Hearing
  • Sight
  • Smell
  • Taste
  • Touch
• Observation example


  • Tomato plant in sunlight has more fruits than tomato plant in shade
• Question


  A problem you want to solve or something you want to discover
• Question example


  • Why does the tomato plant in sunlight have more fruits than the one in shade?
• Hypothesis


  An educated guess or tentative answer to the question, stated in an "if-then" format that can be tested
• Hypothesis example


  • If tomato plant is placed in an area with enough sunlight, then it will produce more fruits
• Experiment


  A series of tests used to verify the hypothesis
• Variables


  Factors or parameters that are controlled, changed or measured in an experiment
• Types of variables


  • Independent variable
  • Dependent variable
  • Controlled variable
• Data


  Information gathered in the experiment
• Conclusion


  Summary of the results that determines if the hypothesis is correct or not
• Communication of results


  Informing others about the experiment findings, such as publishing in journals or presenting at conferences