Scientific Method Notes

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Posing Questions

The first step of the scientific method

Be answered by gathering evidence

Ex: " which freezes faster--fresh water or salt water?"

Hypothesis

The second step in the scientific method

A hypothesis is a prediction about the outcome of the experiment

A hypothesis can be tested though unlike predictions

A proper hypothesis starts with a if.......then..... statement

Ex: "If I add salt to the fresh water, then the water will take longer to freeze."

Create and follow the procedure

you will control a variable to test your hypothesis. In this case you would freeze fresh water, record how long it takes and the freeze fresh water with different amounts of salt in it and see what difference it makes

you will also form operational definitions. This means you will find a way to test your hypothesis most accurately. In this case you would stick a stick in the water, then put it in the freezer, and once the stick wont move anymore you will confirm that it is frozen.

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Interpreting data

at this stage of the scientific method you will organize you data and observe it

you will see if there is any patterns or trends

Think what the data will reveal: does it support your hypothesis? ect..

Drawing Conclusions

Sum up what you have done this experiment

Decide whether it supports your hypothesis

Include what you learned

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