THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

•  Scientists study the world and learn about things using a process called the scientific method. By asking important questions and searching for the answers, it is possible to make amazing discoveries! Sometimes a scientist is unable to answer his own question, but if he has taken good notes another scientist may come along later who is able to use new knowledge or techniques to answer it.

• When you use the scientific method to conduct an experiment, you start by making observations about something that interests you. Based on your observations, you  make a hypothesis. This is using what you know to make a smart guess about what you think could happen. Then you are ready to begin your experiment. All during your experiment, you take down notes, which are called experiment data. You are constantly making observations during this time. You may make discoveries that cause you to revise your experiment as you go. Eventually, you conclude your experiment and begin to look over your notes to decide what it all means. Based on what you have learned, you make a final statement about whether or not your hypothesis was correct. You have to have reasons and evidence to support what you are saying.

• Using the scientific method can be challenging, but rewarding. Because all the steps are organized in a process, the results are more valid. When you provide observations as evidence to support what you are saying, your ideas are more likely to be accepted.

 Name:__________________________________

Answer the following questions based on the reading passage. Don’t forget to go back to the passage whenever necessary to find or confirm   your answers.

1)   What is the scientific method? 

2)  When you find something that interests you, how do you make a hypothesis?

3)  Name one reason why it is important to take good notes when you are conducting an experiment. 

4) What is the last step in the scientific method?

5)  Name one thing you might like to investigate this year for a science project.