(IES) Thinking Like a Scientist: Show me Evidence! Lesson
Thinking Like a Scientist: Show me Evidence!
Scientists learn to ask questions that build upon observations and prior knowledge stretching further.
Scientific Method - What is the scientific method? It is a process that is used to find answers to questions about the world around us. There are several versions of the scientific method. Some versions have more steps, while others may have only a few. However, they all begin with the identification of a problem or a question to be answered based on observations of the world around us and provide an organized method for conducting and analyzing an experiment. Scientists are constantly observing, making notes, asking more questions, revising and fine tuning as they learn.
Make observations - using you senses.
Ask a question - remember to think like a scientist.
Why Is It Important to Ask a Question?
Asking a question helps scientists focus on the most important things they want to learn. The question helps to guide the research that the scientists will do.
Form a hypothesis - your hypothesis should be based on observations and should be testable.
The hypothesis is a scientist's best prediction of the correct answer to the question. Hypothesis must be tested before the scientist can accept the hypothesis.
Test the hypothesis
How Do Scientists Test a Hypothesis?
To see if a prediction can be proven scientifically, scientists must test the hypothesis. Scientists test their hypotheses by designing experiments and gathering data. Data are pieces of information gathered through observation or experimentation. Scientists use data to determine if their hypotheses are correct.
Analyze the results
How Do Scientists Analyze Results?
Once a scientist has completed data collection, the scientists must analyze the results. Analyzing the results will help scientists explain their observations. Their explanations are based on the evidence they collect.
Draw conclusions - Does the data give you evidence to support or confirm your hypothesis?
Communicate the results - Scientists are careful to keep detailed, accurate results. Charts, graphs and clear standard writing helps scientists communicate effectively.
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