Lesson 1.2 - The Scientific Method

Welcome to your first lesson!

Scientists don’t guess. Instead they use something called the scientific method to answer questions and solve problem. Scientific methods are the steps that scientists follow during their investigations and experiments. But really anyone can use these scientific methods, and so anyone can do science.

In this lesson you will learn about the steps of the scientific methods and how you can use them to investigate your questions about the natural world.

Consider the following Guiding Questions while you are working through the lesson:

Why is the scientific method important? Why do scientific observations need to be accurate? How are predictions and hypotheses related? What’s the difference between a controlled experiment and an uncontrolled experiment? Why do scientists communicate their results from an experiment? Why is the scientific method considered a “tool?” What are some limitations of the scientific method?

Summary Instructions for Lesson 1.2

Now that you've completed your notes for this lesson, it's time to carefully review them. To receive credit, your summary must reach a minimum word count, and must include all of the required vocabulary terms listed below.

Use your notes and the Guiding Questions in the lesson Introduction to help you.

Required Vocabulary Terms:

scientific method, observations, hypothesis, factor, controlled experiment, variable, results, data, organize, conclusion, communicate

Minimum Length: 50