Lesson Goal:
I understand the steps of the science method.
New Information:
The steps of the scientific method are:
- Ask a question.
- Make a hypothesis (an idea or explanation that you then test).
- Test the hypothesis with an experiment, recording observations and results.
- Analyze (to examine carefully and in detail) the results of the experiment.
- Draw a conclusion.
- Communicate results.
You can use these steps to answer many questions in everyday life. If you can ask the question, you can apply the scientific method to answer it. You could set up an experiment to answer the question – What is the fastest route from my house to school?
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Here’s an example of how you could set up the first experiment |
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Question: |
What is the fastest route from my home to school? |
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Hypothesis: |
Taking Smith Street to High Street to avoid the light on Puckle Avenue is the fastest route to school. |
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Experiment: |
Drive to school at the same time each day at the same speed, taking different routes. Make sure to include the hypothesis route, record the time for each route. |
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Analysis: |
Analyze the different route times, selecting the fastest. |
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Conclusion: |
Determine whether your route hypothesis was correct. |
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Discussion: |
Share the results of your test to help others get to school on time. |
Application:
In your workbook design your own experiment to answer another question from the list below. Follow the scientific method to answer the question.
- What is the warmest part of my house?
- What breakfast gives me the most energy in PE class?
- What time of day do I feel most awake?
Extension – Come up with your own question.