Scientists want to gain

knowledge about the world

around them.

A scientist is a

person who asks

questions about

the natural world.1

Scientists collect observations in

an organized way to investigate.

Scientists make

observations in

different ways!

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Scientists work together to interpret their data and form explanations.

A good explanation uses:

1.Observations2.Inferences3.Prior Knowledge (what you already know)4.Measurements 5.Data from experiments

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Scientists investigate in different ways.

Sometimes scientists:1. Use models2. Use surveys3. Do experiments

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Models

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A survey is a list of questions or choices.

Scientists may have many people take a survey and learn from their answers.

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An experiment is an investigation that requires scientists to follow a set of specific steps!

Scientist use a set of steps to experiment.

These steps are called

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD!

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The scientific method is like a

map that scientists use in order

to understand how and why

things work. 13

1.QUESTION

2. HYPOTHESIS

3.EXPERIMENT

4.RESULTS

5.CONCLUSION 14

Remember

Making Observations

Leads to Questions!

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Scientists carry out

experiments to find

out answers to

scientific questions.

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The

Scientific

method17

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Step 1: QuestionStep 1: Question

Science cannot answer ALL questions!

Questions should not be about people’s opinions

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1. Read each pair of questions. 2. Which question is the testable question?

1.Which brand of paper towel has the prettiest designs?

2.Which type of paper towel absorbs the most water?

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1. Read each pair of questions. 2. Which question is the testable question?

1.Which brand of popcorn tastes the best?

2.Which brand of popcorn pops the most kernels?

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1. Read each pair of questions. 2. Which question is the testable question?

1.Does the flavor of the cherry gum last longer than the flavor of the peppermint gum?

2.Which flavor gum is more refreshing and delicious- cherry or peppermint?

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Step 2: HypothesisStep 2: HypothesisSometimes it is necessary to find out more information before you form a hypothesis.

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Step 2: HypothesisStep 2: Hypothesis

Forming a Hypothesis:

• This is when you use what you know to predict what the answer to your question is.

• It is what you believe the outcome of the experiment will be.

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Step 2: HypothesisStep 2: Hypothesis

You must state the hypothesis BEFORE you start the experiment.

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Writing a HypothesisWriting a Hypothesis

Use the words if and then to write your hypothesis.

•If ...(this), then…(that).

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Does the temperature outside affect how loudly the crickets chirp?

If it is warmer outside, then crickets will chirp

loudly.

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Question:Will more birds use the red birdfeeder or the blue birdfeeder?

If ______________________________________________,

then_____________________________________________.

Hypothesis:the birdfeeders are red or blue

more birds will use the red birdfeeder

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A.This step is when you plan test to see if your hypothesis is correct. This test is called the EXPERIMENT!

B.Write clear and exact procedures to carry out the experiment.– Make sure to only change ONE variable.

C.Collect all tools and supplies you will need to follow the procedure.

D.Keep records of what you do and observe during the experiment.

E.

Step 3: ExperimentStep 3: Experiment

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Step 4: ResultsStep 4: Results

A.Keep records of what you do and find during the experiment.

D.Records can be notes, pictures, charts, or graphs.

E.Carefully examine your data.

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Step 5: ConclusionStep 5: ConclusionDoes the data support your hypothesis? What can you infer from the data?

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Important Reminders!

• It is important to complete the test more than once.

• Each time you complete the test it is called a trial.

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