The Scientific Method: DR HERC
D • (D)etermine the Problem
R • Gather (R)esearch
H • Form a (H)ypothesis
E • Carry Out an (E)xperiment
R• Record and Analyze the
(R)esults
C • Draw a (C)onclusion
The Scientific Method refers to the basic steps scientists use to solve
problems…
A good science problem is written as a question, and is one that you can test to find the answer *This is the purpose of your
investigation
Step 1: Determine the Problem
Step 2: Gather Research
Gather data to help you form your hypothesis Research what others have already discovered
about your problem (books, magazines, reports, experts, etc.)
Observation – using one or more of your senses to collect data
Inference – an interpretation of an observation based on evidence or prior knowledge
Step 3: Form a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a possible explanation of, or answer to your scientific question Worded as an “If…then…because…”
statement MUST be testable MUST be based on research Will be supported or disproved by
experimentation
Step 4: Carry Out Experiment
Materials List Detailed list of all supplies needed to carry
out your experiment Include amounts needed of each supply
Procedures List Step-by-step instructions for how to carry
out experiment Must be detailed enough so your
experiment could be repeated by someone else
They also include… a CONTROL
Controls are things that do not change throughout the experiment These are kept
the same throughout each trial
As well as… VARIABLES
A variable is a factor that can change in an experiment You may only change one at a time! An independent variable is the one and
only variable you’re allowed to change in your experiment this is the variable being tested (x-axis on a graph)
A dependent variable is the factor that changes because of your independent variable this is the observed variable (y-axis on a graph)
Now you may design and carry outan experiment to test your hypothesis Determine controls Consider all possible variables
Must include at least two trials
Step 4: Carry Out an Experiment
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Step 5: Record your Data
Recording accurate observations and measurements are necessary to carrying out a valid experiment
Once recorded, you can organize your data Perform any necessary calculations Create charts/graphs/data tables to organize
data Consider sources of error
Step 6: Draw a Conclusion
Interpret your charts, tables, or graphs to help you draw your conclusions
Answer your question using data as evidence
Based on the data you have gathered, were you able to find the answer to your question?If so, was your hypothesis correct?If no, what other experiment(s) could help you retest your theory?
No octopus here…
Scientific Theory
Scientific Theory is an explanation of howor why something happens based on scientific knowledge resulting from repeated observations and experiments A theory is based on thousands of
experiments carried out by many different scientists
It can be proven to be incorrect as new knowledge is gained from further experiments
Scientific Law
A Scientific Law is a statement about how something works that seems to be true all of the time Tells what will happen, but does not
necessarily explain why Is less likely to change
than a Scientific Theory
