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Scientific Method Facts & Worksheets

The Scientific Method is a systematic process of seeking answers by collecting data and evidence through observation and experimentation.

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Humans are naturally born curious. They tend to find answers to their questions through different methods. In science, a scientific method is a helpful tool that can answer questions through observations and data gathering.

See the fact file below for more information on the Scientific Method or alternatively, you can download our 26-page Scientific Method worksheet pack to utilise within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

Introduction

  • The scientific method is a systematic process of seeking answers to questions by collecting data and empirical evidence through observation and experimentation.
  • The different branches of science and other fields use the scientific method in their experiments.
  • The method of observation used in problem solving was first seen in the Edwin Smith Papyrus in Egypt in 1600 BCE.
  • The scientific method minimizes bias in the results of experiments.
  • One of the first people to encourage the use of observation and reasoning was Aristotle.
  • The first person to write and discuss the importance of experimentation was Hasan Ibn al-Haytham, an Arabic-Muslim mathematician and scientist.
  • Galileo Galilei emphasized the essence of variable testing in experiments.
  • They indicated to other scientists how science should be conducted and showed the importance of the scientific method in exploring new areas in science.
  • The person who discovered and made the scientific method known to the world was Francis Bacon.
  • He developed the Baconian method, which was the first scientific method used.

Steps of the Scientific Method

Make an Observation

  • Observations are the main reason why people start having questions.
  • Research the topic and find out if there is existing information.
  • The information gathered will be very helpful in experimenting and lessens errors when experiments are done.

Formulate Questions

  • The process of the scientific method begins with a question coming from observations.
  • It may vary depending on what you want to know and may cover questions such as what, how, where, when, and why.
  • Questions must be measurable and answerable by conducting experiments.

Make Your Hypothesis

  • A hypothesis is a possible answer to your question.
  • The hypothesis that you will prove will serve as the guide throughout your experiment.

Test Your Hypothesis Through Experiments

  • Test your hypothesis through experiments.
  • Make sure that the data gathered is accurate by recording the different variables and performing the experiment multiple times.
  • The data will serve as evidence to prove if the hypothesis is true.
Different Kinds of Variable
  • Variables are entities or things that are measured and can be changed.
  • Independent variable
    • This can also be referred to as the cause because it affects the result of the dependent variable.
    • During experiments, it can be controlled and changed.
  • Dependent variable
    • This variable is the one tested in experiments.
    • It is dependent on how the independent variable moves.
    • A dependent variable is referred to as the effect.
  • A null hypothesis states that there is no difference in the variable.
  • Therefore, this kind of hypothesis is rejected.
Characteristics of an Experiment
  • An experiment must be unbiased.
  • It must have a control group or a variable in a normal condition.
  • The experiment can be replicated, which means that the experimental process can be also be done in other experimental units.
  • The process of the experiment must be repeatable.
Types of Scientific Research
  • Quantitative research
    • These are studies that use numerical data.
  • Qualitative research
    • These are studies that gather non-numerical data.

Analyze Data 

  • Through the data gathered from the experiment, evaluate the result and determine whether to accept or reject your hypothesis.
  • If the hypothesis is true, gather more evidence to hold its accuracy. 
  • Otherwise, make a new hypothesis and re-conduct the experiment.

Make a Conclusion and Report Results

  • The last step is to make a conclusion.
  • Make an overall statement about your findings and present your results.
  • It is important to use the scientific method in proving experiments.
  • However, scientists sometimes do not follow the traditional process and make a few changes, such as skipping and repeating the process.
  • The important thing is that they maintain and focus on the main concept of using the scientific method.

Two Concepts of the Scientific Method

  • Theory
    • This is often likely to be true compared with a hypothesis because it has evidence that serves as proof.
  • Hypothesis
    • This is a suggested explanation, educated guess, or unproven statement for an observation.

Scientific Method Worksheets

This is a fantastic bundle that includes everything you need to know about the Scientific Method across 26 in-depth pages. These are ready-to-use worksheets that are perfect for teaching students about the Scientific Method which is a systematic process of seeking answers to questions by collecting data and empirical evidence through observation and experimentation.

Complete List Of Included Worksheets

  • Scientific Method Facts
  • Scientific Method
  • Next Step
  • Science Vocabulary
  • I Have a Question
  • Variables
  • What Should I Choose?
  • Hypothesis
  • Think
  • Let’s Find Out
  • Science Behind It

Frequently Asked Questions

Who invented the scientific method?

Alhazen, the renowned Arab scholar of the 10th and 11th centuries, made groundbreaking discoveries in optics, mathematics, and astronomy. He proposed a revolutionary method – experimentation as proof to validate his hypotheses – that has been widely adopted since then.

Why the scientific method is important?

The Scientific Method is a way to learn about how our reality works. With this approach, we can ask questions based on what we observe and develop theories to explain them.

Why is it called the scientific method?

During the 19th century, as a science underwent a remarkable institutional transformation, the term “scientific method” emerged. This period also saw terms such as “scientist” and “pseudoscience”, which clearly distinguished between scientific inquiry and non-scientific pursuits.

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Link will appear as Scientific Method Facts & Worksheets: https://kidskonnect.com - KidsKonnect, February 17, 2022

Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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