The series of worksheets you will find in this section will really test your understanding of the concept of the scientific method. You will be put to the test in many diverse scenarios. We start by learning the order of the steps of process and the history of how value was attributed to this process. We learn how to form and write valid hypotheses. We learn how to identify and classify variables that can affect the outcome of an experiment. Students will learn how to keep all conditions in the environment the tests are taking place to limit inaccuracies in our data collection process. We learn how to identify a control and decide upon proper experimental groups that should be tested through the course of this. We learn how to collect data and then analyze that data through the use of data tables and charts. From that data analysis we then learn how to draw acceptable and valid conclusions while taken all things into considerations.
Print Scientific Method Worksheets
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Sequencing the Scientific Method
Provide the letter of the definition that matches the scientific terms below.
Starting the Process
The scientific method is basically an organized way to investigate something that interests you, when you want to find out why something happens the way it does. It all starts with a question.
The Process Page 2
After scientists complete an experiment they report their conclusions. Each branch of science has a report format for publishing the results of experiments. If you do an experiment for a science fair project you will report your conclusions on a poster board for everyone to see. Y
Understanding the Process
Put the step number next to each step of the scientific method for this problem.
Practice with the Method
In 1872 a wealthy railroad tycoon named Leland Stanford (Stanford University is named after him) made a bet with a friend about a galloping horse. Put the step number next to each step of the scientific method for this problem.
Historic Process of the Method
Gregor Mendel was an Austrian monk who lived from 1822 until 1884. He performed some of the first research ever in heredity. Mendel grew an estimated 28,000 pea plants over eight years. Students can perform an experiment that is similar to one of his famous experiments with pea plants.
Understanding Hypotheses
A hypothesis is testable if you can create a controlled experiment that will give you more information. This hypothesis is testable because you can experiment with two groups of plants of the same species.
Practice with Hypotheses
Write a testable hypothesis for these situations. The beauty of this worksheet is that there are a ton of different approaches that you can take.
Understanding Dependent and Independent Variables
Experiments test the influence of one thing over another. A proper experiment compares two or more things but changes only one variable or factor in the experiment.
Identifying Dependent and Independent Variables
Identify the dependent and independent variables in the following cases.
Practice with Dependent and Independent Variables
Identify the dependent and independent variables in the following cases.
Exercises with Dependent and Independent Variables
Identify the dependent and independent variables in the following cases.
Understanding Control and Experimental Groups
The way to show that a hypothesis is true or false is to design and complete an experiment.
Identifying Control and Experimental Groups
Identify the control and experimental groups in the following cases.
Practice with Control and Experimental Groups
Identify the control and experimental groups in the following cases.
Exercises with Control and Experimental Groups
The control group does not get the factor being tested. The experimental group does get the factor being tested.
Writing Experiment Conclusions
The conclusion gives a snapshot of what you accomplished so it contains summary information about the experiment as well as the conclusions.
Identifying Experiment Conclusions
Write one sentence to the right of the graph that summarizes what the data shows in each of these experiments.
Practice with Experiment Conclusions
Write one sentence to the right of the graph that summarizes what the data shows in each of these experiments.
Exercises with Experiment Conclusions
Write one sentence to the right of the graph that summarizes what the data shows in each of these experiments.
Exercise Set One
Researchers at Pur-Rite Pharmaceutical Company also developed a new additive for cattle feed that they hope will cause beef cattle to gain weight faster so they can be sent to market sooner.
Exercise Set Two
The executives in charge of advertising for Big Spill brand of paper towels want to advertise that Big Spill towels absorb twice as much water as Good Buy brand.
Exercise Set Three
In a taste test consumers preferred Healthy Meal brand frozen enchilada dinner over the other best-selling brand.
Exercise Set Four
If you make ice cubes from warm water the cubes freeze faster than if you made them from cold water.
Exercise Set Five
The vacuum seal method of storing chicken in the freezer results in less freezer burn than storing the chicken in a freezer storage bag.
Stroop Effect
What happens if you ask someone to name the color of letters printed on a flash card if the letters spell the name of another color?
Scientific Method - Inertia and Momentum
A basic scientific principle is that a body in motion remains in motion unless stopped by an outside force and a body at rest remains at rest unless moved by an outside force.
Iron and Magnetism
Swish the magnet through the cereal mixture making certain that the magnet reaches the bottom of the bowl because the iron will sink to the bottom.
Oxidation of Cut Apples
A cut apple turns brown after a few minutes. People don't like to eat brown apple slices but you'd like to serve cut up fruit to your guests who are coming in half an hour.
What Is the Scientific Method?
Scientists use many methods to uncover evidence and draw conclusions, but the scientific method is at the root of all experiments. This method is a guideline that aids people in testing their ideas and finding evidence that can show us the relationships between things, forming the foundation of discovery.
It is a means of using experiments to solve a problem or answer a scientific question. It includes doing experiments, gathering information, and then making conclusions about what you have discovered.
It is a fundamental scientific concept and is the basis for all scientific discoveries. So, let's discuss what the scientific method entails and go through the steps to understand how you can test, examine, and draw conclusions about the world around us.
This is a process that can help you in all walks of life, not just in a science lab. The basic overview of the method requires you first to identify a problem or truth that you are seeking. It could be something as simple as "does water help plants grow?" After you determine the problem you need to come up with a prediction of what you think the answer to the question is. After that we design an experiment to test this prediction. After we gather all the data from the experiment, we examine the data and draw a conclusion. From there we share and discuss all the data with others.
An Explanation of the Six Steps
No matter what your problem or question is, whether it's something small or something big, the scientific method always makes use of the same six steps:
- Ask a question.
- Research the topic.
- Form a hypothesis or testable explanation.
- Test with an experiment.
- Analyze the data.
- Draw a conclusion.
Let's take a closer look and go through the scientific method together.
1. Ask a Question
This first step is where you get to ask any scientific question you want an answer to. Keep in mind the question needs to be something you can test. The questions typically begin with how, what, where, when, who, why, or which.
For example, "how can I make a plant grow faster?" or "when was the universe created?" The latter question would be pretty tricky to answer, but the first one is testable! Once you have your question, you can move on to the next step.
2. Research the Topic
You'll need to have some background information to test something. The more you know about a subject, the easier it will be to conduct the experiments and come to your conclusions. Not doing research could result in mistakes that might skew the data you collect during your investigation.
3. Form a Hypothesis or Testable Explanation
Forming a hypothesis (an educated guess) is when you predict what you think will happen using all the information you have gathered so far.
For example, it is reasonable to assume that "plants that have fertilizer in the soil will grow faster than those without." Now that you have predicted what will happen, it's time for the fun part - the experiment!
4. Test With an Experiment
You will need to design an experiment to test if your hypothesis is correct. In other words, this is when you figure out if you're right or wrong.
There might be multiple tests you need to do to come to the correct conclusion and ensure you didn't get there by accident. If you're running many trials, it is better to change only one variable at a time, which allows for the highest level of accuracy.
5. Analyze the Data
Once your experiment is complete, you'll need to analyze all the data you have gathered. You can do this using graphs, charts, diagrams, etc. This charting aims to find out if your hypothesis is supported or contradicted. If the experiment results don't support your original theory, you can change your hypothesis and run more tests.
6. Draw a Conclusion
Conclude whether you accept or reject your hypothesis. In many cases, the experiment will not support your theory, but that's okay – you can start over with a new understanding of how things work.
The last thing that needs to happen is to communicate your findings. You can do this by writing a report or giving a talk on the subject.
Conclusion
In short, the scientific method is an excellent way to study and learn things while getting to do fun and exciting experiments! Whenever you have a question about science, nature, or even the universe, you can always follow these six steps to find the answer, or at least get one step closer to finding it!