1. The Scientific Method

2. The scientific method helps keep you focused on the purpose of your experiment.

3. It contains 7 separate steps.

5. FIRST STEP Identify the Problem What am I trying to learn?

6. What would happen to a balloon if I put it in the freezer for an hour?

8. SECOND STEP Gather Information What do I already know about the topic, or what can I find out?

9. I know balloons pop. I know that the freezer is very cold. I know things ( like water) can change when they are cold.

10. balloons pop

11. freezer is very cold

12. things (like water)change when they are cold

13. THIRD STEP State a Hypothesis What do you think will happen?

14. I predict that the balloon in the freezer will pop.

16. FOURTH STEP Design and Carry Out an Experiment Create a way to test your hypothesis.

17. 1. Blow up two balloons

19. 2. Measure the diameter of each balloon

21. 3. Record data

23. 4. Place one balloon in the freezer for an hour and put the other on the counter.

25. 5. Remove the balloon from the freezer and measure both balloons again

27. 6. Record data

29. 7. Wait an hour and measure both balloons again

31. 8. Record data

33. FIFTH STEP Make Observations and Record Data Watch what happens and write it down. (measure, weigh, observe)

34. data

35. SIXTH STEP Organize and Analyze Data Chart, graph, and present observations.

37. SEVENTH STEP State a Conclusion Was my hypothesis correct or incorrect? Summarize what happened during experiment.

38. My hypothesis was incorrect. I thought the balloon would pop in the freezer, but it just got smaller.

39. After an hour the balloon from the freezer got larger again. The balloon that wasn’t in the freezer stayed the same size.

40. I believe cold air changes the size of things. It makes things get smaller.

41. Scientific Method Terms

42. theory statement describing (but not explaining)

43. hypothesis Suggested explanation to a problem or observation based upon known information

44. law hypothesis that has been tested and supported by a great amount of evidence over a long period of time

45. experiment Used to test a hypothesis

46. variable Anything that can affect the results of an experiment

47. control part within an experiment that is maintained without change in order to provide a comparison for the part of the experiment containing the variable

48. data Observations and measurements made during an experiment

49. conclusion a summary that explains whether or not the data supports the hypothesis

50. application New use to which results are put or new technique developed