This PowerPoint Outlines the Steps

of Scientific Investigation

Make an Observation & Ask a Question

Ask a question that you

can answer by

performing an

experiment

Do ResearchLearn as much as

you can about the research

topic.Research may be

needed before and after you

decide what to do in your

experiment.

Form a HypothesisSuggest an idea that can

be tested by an experiment

Hypothesis

An idea that can be

tested by experiment

or observation.

Design an Experiment• Decide what

steps you need to test your hypothesis.

• Figure out what equipment you need.

• Create a model if necessary.

• Identify the variable for your experiment.

Variable

A condition that is

changed in order to find

out the effect of that

change.

Perform the Experiment

Gather DataRecord your

observations. This may include

taking measurements or making drawings, tables, graphs, or charts.

Analyze Data & Draw Conclusions

Examine data to see if the hypothesis is supported. Create a model that explains your results.

Communicate Results

Share results with others and get feedback.

Identify Questions for Further Investigation

Can your experiment

be improved? Does it lead you to ask

more questions?