What is Scientific Method?  The scientific method is made up of  steps taken by scientists to gain new knowledge about the world around them. After observing events, they ask questions about what they have seen.  They make  "Hypotheses" or guesses, which might explain their observations. They make predicitons about causes and effects of observed events. Then they design experiments to test their ideas and to gather evidence to support their predictions.  It is important that predictions (expected results)  can be tested, that measureable evidence can be collected, and that others can duplicate the experiment.  Such tested information can be called fact.  By discovering how the facts are related to each other, scientists can analyze (think about) the information and draw conclusions (pick the best solutions).  In this way scientists gain knowledge and are able to solve problems in our lives.  It is the whole process of thinking through possible answers to questions and testing each possible answer to find the best solution that is called the scientific method.
View the movie called "Scientific Method" at the BrainPop website to learn more about how scientists gather information to reach conclusions.

Observation:( Webster defines observation as: "The act of noting or recording something; observe: to watch carefully".) Scientists are curious and observant.  They watch events in the world around them and ask questions.  By observing events, scientists recognize a problem and begin to look for answers.
Are you a good observer?
Watch this machine in action.  Does it raise questions you would like to answer?

Question: When scientists see something they don't understand they ask questions.  Why?, What if? What is causing this to happen?    These Quesions are the beginning of a new scientific experiment.  The Question recognizes and states a problem which a scientist wants to solve. Do you like to ask Questions?
Meet some famous scientists who solved some mysteries for us be asking "Why?".  They discovered how the relationship between facts caused things to happen.  Then they could propose solutions to problems.
 

It is important to decide exactly what you want to find out.  Once you can state your question you need to research what other scientists have found out before you.   As you gather and organize facts you learn the background needed to design a good experiment.  Here are some websites which will help you find needed background information.
 

Tekmom Search Help	Tekmom is a retired Fairfax County teacher.  She will help you learn how to search the Internet safely.
Yahooligans Science website links	Yahooligans offers many good websites for students.  Use their search engine to look up your topic and find information intended for students.
Grolier Online Encyclopedia	Students will find good information on all topics here.  Use the New Book for elementary level information. Use New Book of Popluar Science for many exciting topics.  Students using this site from home will need to ask teachers for the Fairfax County password.

Hypothesis: A Hypothesis is the scientist's best guess as to the answer to a question.   Based upon what the scientist already knows, he tries to explain what he has observed. It is wise to think of many possible reasons for what was observed. Using the best hypothesis (most likely answer to the problem)  the scientist can design an experiment to test his thinking. Can I make a hypothesis?
To make your hypothesis, state your question as a testable experiment.  Your hypothesis should be the same as the expected outcome of your experiment. 

Prediction:  A prediction is a statement of what the scientist expects will happen in the experiment.  If the hypothesis is correct, then the result of the experiment should be the expected result.  If the hypothesis was wrong, then the result will not support the hypothesis and further experiments are needed.
Predictions are based upon many observations of fact.  Facts are statements which, based upon our experiences, we believe to be true.  But, these truths are constantly being changed by scientists who build upon existing knowledge and discover new knowledge.  Truths are always changing.  Predictions of 1900  will show you some predictions which will make you laugh today.

Experiment: Scientists plan experiments to test their hypothesis.  If they get the expected results, then the hypothesis is true.  If they do not get the expected results, then they must look for different answers.   It is important to do the experiment several times to see that the results remain the same.  Scientists collect data (information) and measure results.  They record and chart their data to support predictions and draw conclusions.  Scientists need both ideas (hypotheses) and facts (recorded results) to reach conclusions.  They organize their experiments in several steps that are like a recipe.  If others repeat the experiment the results should be the same.
    1.  List materials needed  

2.  Procedure: write down steps to be followed   

3.  Measure and record results. 
Try some of these experiments.  Some experiments you will do online with your class or with small groups.  Other experiments offer recipes for you to use at home.  These experiments range from Primary level to Advanced levels.

Analysis: Analysis means to think about what you have observed during your experiment.  A good scientist will examine the results and look for patterns and surprises.  If you observe your hypothesis is always true then it might be considered a "theory" or "law of nature".  If it is not always true, then you must reject your hypothesis and rethink your answers.  "It is often said in science that theories can never be proved, only disproved. There is always the possibility that a new observation or a new experiment will conflict with a long-standing theory."

Conclusion:  Once you examine the results of your experiment, you decide  that your predictions were or were not correct.  Your conclusion is a summary of your results and a statement of how the results relate to your hypothesis.  Your conclusion is your final answer.... at least for this point in time.
Use collected facts to draw conclusions.
Test your knowledge of the Scientific Method in these games.
 

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