Doing What Scientists Do

Using the Scientific Method

Choose a topic:

Think of a question that you want to answer. Scientists call this question the problem.

Research the topic:

Go to the library , get books , use the computer, talk to family and friends, interview professionals , and write to companies  to gather information about your topic. Keep notes concerning this information to use later in a research

paper.

Form a hypothesis:

Write what you think will happen in your experiment. Base your hypothesis on what you learned from your research.

Design an experiment: Find an experiment that will help you find an answer to your problem. Better yet, make up your own!

List your procedures:

Write out the steps of your experiment. Include a list of the materials that you use.

Make observations:

Use your five senses and measuring devices (ruler, scale, measuring cup, etc.) to describe what happens during your experiment.

Show your observations by making graphs, tables, drawing pictures, taking photographs , and/or writing them out in sentences.

Drawing conclusions:

Write what you have learned about your problem as it relates to your hypothesis from your research notes and experiment observations.

	ARS-Florence Homepage	"Ag"-tivities	Soil Sleuths	Soiled Minds