Steps of the Scientific Method
Steps in Order
Which Variable?
Testable Question or not
Anything and everything!
100

An educated guess. We represent this with an if...then...because...statement.

Hypothesis

100

The 6th step of the scientific method (using your observations and data to determine if your hypothesis was accurate or not.)

Conclusion

100

The part that remains the same throughout the experiment.

control/constant variable. 

100

How many types of dogs are there?

Not testable.

100

True or False. If you find your hypothesis was not proven after completing an experiment, that means you have failed as a scientist.

False: you still made a discovery

200

We have to do this in order to collect data.

Make observations
200

The 5th step of the scientific method (Studying and making sense of what was observed during the experiment)

Analyze the results.

200
The part that is affected by the changes made and is measured.

Dependent variable

200

How do rockets work?

Not testable

200

True or False, we use if...then...statements to write scientific questions.

False.

300

Once all of the other steps have been completed it is important to do this with your results.

Communicate/Share results.

300

You may do research or use prior knowledge to help you complete the second step of the scientific method.

Hypothesis.

300

The part that is changed during the experiment.

Independent variable.

300

How does changing the shape of a rocket's fins affect its ability to fly?

Testable question.

300

Joe wants to see how tall his bean plants will grow with different amounts of fertilizers. He plants four bean plants.  One with no fertilizer and the other three with different amounts of the fertilizer.

What is the scientific question being tested here?

Does changing the amount of soil affect how tall bean plants grow?

400

The part that scientists try to solve or answer by using the scientific method

Question/Problem

400

All of the odd steps of the scientific method in order.

Question/Problem, Experiment, Analyze results, Communicate results

400

Scientists wanted to determine if Grade 12 students did better on tests if they chewed gum during the test. They gave one group gum and the same amount of time to complete a math test.

What is the independent variable?

Whether the students chewed gum or not during the test.

400

What makes something float or sink?

Not testable.

400

Does studying with music playing in the background affect test scores?

What is the dependent variable?

How great the test scores are.

500

Following a step by step procedure and using a specific materials list.

Experiment.

500

What is something you find out about objects, events, or living things using your five senses?

observations 


500

Scientists wanted to determine if Grade 12 students did better on tests if they chewed gum during the test. They gave one group gum and the same amount of time to complete a math test.

What is the dependent variable

The students' performance on the test.

500

How does changing the type of soil affect how flowers grow?

Testable question.

500

True or False: Is this a well written hypothesis?


If I add more 3 hoops instead of 2 hoops to a hoop glider, perhaps the hoop glider will fly farther if I try to throw it really hard.

Fasle: We don't use words like maybe, perhaps, I think or I guess in hypotheses.