scientific method homework answers

What are the steps to the scientific method? (Plus, a free worksheet!)

Krystal DeVille

Updated on: October 29, 2020

The scientific method is a 6 step method scientists use to conduct experiments and learn about the world around them.

It is essentially a framework on how to ask a question and then answer it.

We all make observations and ask questions about the world around us. Then, we make a guess (or hypothesis) about what we think the answer is. The scientific method is the process to determine if your hypothesis is correct.

Whether you are making slime at home, growing seeds, or conducting a much more elaborate experiment, you can use this free scientific method worksheet to guide your process!

Table of Contents

Download the Free Scientific Method Worksheet

Implementing the scientific method in your at home & fun science experiments, is a great way to reinforce logic and problem solving skills.

There are 6 steps to the scientific method, plus one feedback step:

• Make an Observation
• Ask a Question
• Form a Hypothesis
• Test Your Hypothesis
• Observe Results
• Form Conclusion

The “7th” step to the scientific method is the feedback step, where you make an iteration or ask a new question to test. This step loops back to the first step of your next experiment

Now, let’s dive into each step of the scientific method with an example!

In this example, we’ll walk through the scientific method in an experiment where you’re testing how seeds may grow in different types of soil.

Step 1: Make an Observation

We all notice things occurring around us! This first step of starting your experiment.

In this example, you notice that the flowers are growing differently around the yard. In some parts of the yard, the flowers are already blossoming! While in other parts, they’re still struggling to grow.

This is also when you may do some initial research. You notice they get different amounts of sunlight and that one area of your yard is much rockier. In this step, record your observations and research.

Step 2: Ask a Question

Next, ask your question.

In this experiment, we’re trying to understand why the flowers grow at different rates around the yard. Why are some big and others small?

Step 3: Form a Hypothesis

In the next step, you create your hypothesis. A hypothesis is an assumption or idea that you can test in an experiment or study.

It’s important to emphasize that the hypothesis is something you can test.

When creating your hypothesis, use your research and observations to form your assumption.

In this example, you had observed that the soil was very different across the yard. In some places it was very sandy, other places very rocky. You form your hypothesis off this assumption that different soils cause the flowers to grow better.

Step 4: Experiment

Next, it’s time for your experiment! Use the free worksheet to list each step of your experiment and the materials that you need.

The experiment should be focused on either concluding your hypothesis is true, or it is not.

In this experiment, we decide to fill jars with 3 different types of soil samples collected around the yard. In each jar, we place a seed and then set them in the same place and water them at the same time every day.

For older students, during the experimental step, you can also list your controlled variables. What needs to stay constant in order to test your hypothesis?

In this experiment, water, sun, and the type of seed are our controlled (or constant variables. The dirt is our independent variable – the thing that we are testing.

You can download this great worksheet too on understanding the different variables in a science experiment!

Step 5: Results

Next, observe and record your results.

In our experiment, we watched the flowers grow and recorded how each flower grew different day to day.

We may want to note which flower sprouted first, which one bloomed first, and which one lived longest.

We make notes about all of our observations and results in our worksheet or notebook.

Step 6: Conclusion

Lastly, use your results and observations to determine if your hypothesis was supported.

A conclusion should center around your hypothesis. Was your hypothesis supported or not supported?

And remember to explain that a wrong hypothesis is not a bad experiment .

It’s important to teach about and avoid research bias. An experiment is about testing a hypothesis, not proving it. An experiment that shows that a hypothesis is not true is just as good as the one that shows a hypothesis is correct!

Step 7: Iterate (Feedback Step)

Testing your first hypothesis doesn’t mean your experiment is over!

During your experiment, you may make other observations or want to test other variables. The last step is your feedback step, where you iterate or repeat.

This loops back into the first steps of a new experiment where you make an observation and ask a question, and then start a new experiment using the steps of the scientific method.

Feel free to save or Pin our full example of the scientific method:

History of the Scientific Method

Historically speaking, no specific person can be credited with designing the Scientific Method as we know it today. There isn’t even an “Ultimate Scientific Method” that is the best and most tried system.

Every scientific process works well as long as it starts with curiosity, can be tested through an experiment, and leads to a conclusive observation. It stands as a logical, rational, and problem-solving type of method applicable to a multitude of fields.

That’s not always the fun answer, so let’s take a second to credit those that did historically advance the Scientific Method. The Scientific Method has a rich history that has progressed and evolved from geniuses such as Aristotle, Al-Biruni, and Isaac Newton.

Science was traditionally categorized into an overarching branch mixed with Philosophy and Technology. It wasn’t until the Scientific Revolution that it became its own independent field of study.

The Scientific Revolution started in the 1500s and made immaculate breakthroughs to develop the emergence of modern science.

With the monumental advancements from Enlightenment scientists such as Galileo Galilei, Francis Bacon, and Rene Descartes in changing variables and recording their process.

The scientific method made great gains in the 16th century and 17th centuries. Even then, the “Scientific Method” as a term did not gain much headway until the 20th century, but the design itself was put into words for future generations to expand on.

Wrapping Up Scientific Method

Regardless of the experiment – and countless others to use, some even on this very same website – the importance of the Scientific Method for kids is limitless. When using this structure, you provide your child with the foundation of a logical and rational way to solve any problem.

Science doesn’t always require using safety goggles or a microscope; it can be utilized with anything. If you’re curious and have a question, then apply this method!

Tell you what, how about you use this as an experiment in and of itself. See if your child or children enjoy using the Scientific Method to conduct their own experiments.

Make a hypothesis: Will they enjoy it or not? When you come to the conclusion that they love it and are only benefiting from it, then share those thoughts here with us! Until then, have fun experimenting!

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Scientific Method

Scientific Method introduces students to the basic steps of this useful process. Students will learn how to develop a hypothesis based on their observations about something and conduct a simple experiment to test it.

The “Options for Lesson” section on the classroom procedure page lists some additional suggestions you might want to add to your lesson. One such option is to spend extra time discussing the concept of variables in experiments. Another suggestion is to allow students to come up with their own experiments to present to the class on an “Experiment Day.”

Description

Additional information, what our scientific method lesson plan includes.

Lesson Objectives and Overview: Scientific Method teaches students how scientists use this process to conduct experiments. Students will learn how to define and explain this method and use it in a simple experiment. They will understand each step and be able to follow them correctly. This lesson is for students in 3rd grade and 4th grade.

Classroom Procedure

Every lesson plan provides you with a classroom procedure page that outlines a step-by-step guide to follow. You do not have to follow the guide exactly. The guide helps you organize the lesson and details when to hand out worksheets. It also lists information in the yellow box that you might find useful. You will find the lesson objectives, state standards, and number of class sessions the lesson should take to complete in this area. In addition, it describes the supplies you will need as well as what and how you need to prepare beforehand. For this lesson, you will need to supply one penny, one dime, one nickel, a ruler, a water dropper, a cup of water, and paper towels for each group of students. You will need to prepare beforehand to know how many of each item you need to get. You are also more than welcome to adjust the activity and have students use different objects, or even different coins.

Options for Lesson

There is a number of suggestions in the “Options for Lesson” section of the classroom procedure page that you might want to consider adding to the lesson. One such suggestion is to have each group of students experiment with a single coin and compare with other groups. Alternatively, you could have them look at more than the three coins you provided. Another options is to discuss variables and the two types that apply to experiments. You could also use the practice page as a homework assignment or the homework as a practice. One final suggestion is to plan an “Experiment Day.” Have students come up with an experiment and hypothesis and then present their work to the class.

Teacher Notes

On the teacher notes page, you will find a paragraph of additional information. It will provide a little extra guidance and thoughts on the material. This lesson, for instance, will outline the scientific method as having four steps with a few sub-steps. You can use the space on the page to write any notes you have before you present the lesson to your class. Or, if you have some ideas on other activities to use or ways you might adjust the lesson, this is a good place to write them down.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD LESSON PLAN CONTENT PAGES

Introduction and background knowledge.

The Scientific Method lesson plan contains two pages of content. To teach students about this process, the pages outline each step using an overarching example about spiders and spider webs. The first page describes the process and explains how to use this process to find answers to questions. It starts off asking students if they have ever needed to solve a problem at home. Perhaps a video game stopped working or started acting strangely. Depending on the problem, maybe they were able to fix it, or they realized that they had to get a new game.

The lesson describes that this process of identifying a problem, guessing how to solve it, and seeing the results is the scientific method in action. This process is not just for scientists in a laboratory, and it’s not just to solve problems within the field of science. The scientific method is a process that students can apply to just about any problem that deals with any topic. Students will discover that the purpose of this process is simply to prove or disprove a theory about why something happens or how to solve a problem. The lesson plan divides the process into four steps: observation, hypothesis, experiment, and conclusion.

Students might enjoy learning how one scientist’s observation of melting chocolate led to the invention of the microwave. You might want to have students research this scientist to learn more about how he used the scientific method to test his theory.

First Two Steps of the Scientific Method

Students will learn about observing and creating a hypothesis (making a guess) based on what they observed. They may not already know this, but observing is not just an action for the eyes. In fact, students may learn that, depending on what they want to observe, they will need an entirely different sense. They may need to listen, taste, smell, or touch something in order to observe it the way they need to. Sometimes, they may even need to use more than one of the five senses. Scientists observe things so that they can study, learn about, or identify an event or object. Regarding the spider web example, the scientist observes the pattern, size, and texture of the web. This observation requires both sight and touch.

Students will next discover what a hypothesis is, which is an educated guess or theory that might explain an event that someone observed. Usually, it is a statement that answers a specific question. It requires three things: it must explain the observation, be testable by others, and produce the same results when repeated. In the example, the scientist asks the question, do big spiders build stronger webs? The hypothesis: if a spider is larger, then it will create a stronger web.

Last Two Steps of the Scientific Method

Next, students will learn about setting up an experiment to test their theory. The experiment will either prove or disprove the hypothesis. In other words, they will be able to see whether their guess was true or false. With the scientific method, the experiment should only test a single variable. That variable must be something that can change. In addition, the experiment must be repeatable. If another scientists cannot repeat the exact same test, then the experiment needs to change. The example shares that the scientist tests the strength of various spiders’ webs. He measures the spiders’ sizes and use the same method to test the web strength for each one. Then he compares the spiders’ sizes to their webs’ strength.

Finally, students will analyze the data they collect to see if they were right or wrong. This is the conclusion step of the scientific method. During this step, scientists gather all the data from the experiment and analyze it to discover the answer to their question. If the hypothesis is correct, then they can use their statement to answer the question. If not, they must come up with a new guess or theory and perform another test. For the example, the scientist gathers his data. If he finds that larger spiders do, in fact, build stronger webs, then that is his conclusion. Otherwise, his new hypothesis might be that the size of a spider does not affect the strength of its web.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD LESSON PLAN WORKSHEETS

The scientific method lesson plan includes three worksheets: an activity worksheet, a practice worksheet, and a homework assignment. (The “Options for Lesson” section of the classroom procedure page suggests the possibility of switching the latter two if you want.) Each worksheet helps gauge students’ grasp of the material. The activity will especially help them practice the scientific method in a hands-on way. The guidelines on the classroom procedure page outlines when to distribute each handout.

COIN TEST ACTIVITY WORKSHEET

The activity requires students to compare a penny, nickel, and dime in relation to how many drops of water each can hold. Students will first write some things they observe about each coin. Then they will write a hypothesis as to how many drops each coin can hold, but they won’t just write a number. Following the steps of the scientific method, students will then test their theories and record the data. At the end, they will conclude whether or not they were correct and explain what they found.

MATCH THE STEP PRACTICE WORKSHEET

For the practice worksheet, students will review 20 descriptions. There are four words in the word bank: observation (O), hypothesis (H), experiment (E), and conclusion (C). Students will mark the statements with the letter they represent.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT

There are two parts to the homework worksheet. First, students will answer six questions that are multiple choice. For the second section, they will read 12 sentences. They must determine which step of the scientific method the sentence corresponds to.

Worksheet Answer Keys

The last couple pages of the lesson plan provide answer keys all three worksheets. On the activity worksheet, it is possible that there will be some slight variation with the figures for the coin measurements. However, they should be fairly close if not exactly the same. The answer key provides a sample hypothesis to test for the sake of the rest of the activity, which will vary from group to group. The practice worksheet lists the correct answers in red. The same is true for the homework answer key. It highlights the correct multiple choice answer for that section and marks in red the correct terms for the second section.

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scientific method

It was a great way to introduce the scientific method to my students

I was very pleased with the lesson plan on the scientific method. There were some changes made in the middle of the school year, and I ended up teaching science to 4 and 5 grade. The other teacher had only taught with videos, and I wanted to start my teaching off with a fun, hands-on experiment. It was a huge success and now my kids are excited to come to Science class!

Very useful

I used this lesson as an introduction to the scientific method with 3rd and 4th graders and it went very well. The worksheets were clear and easy for the children to follow.

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Biology library

Course: biology library   >   unit 1.

• The scientific method
• Controlled experiments

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Engaging Activities on the Scientific Method

Lab safety and equipment use.

Scientific Method Puzzle – a simple crossword puzzle to practice vocabulary of the scientific method

Lab Safety Contract – students sign this contract after learning about lab safety

Measure a Bean – basic lab on measurements and collecting data

Tools and Measurements – how to use various tools in the lab, such as a graduated cylinder, ruler, and beaker

Using a Micropipette – activity explores how to use a micropipette to measure small volumes

Lab Safety Cartoon – a fun activity showing a cartoon of unsafe activities in the lab

The Elephant Poem – a poem about how observations depend on the perspective of the observer

Equipment Station Lab – a station lab activity where students move through stations and perform tasks with scientific equipment

Significant Figures – practice with significant figures and calculations

Reinforcement: Scientific Processes – vocabulary practice, match words to their descriptions ( Key, TpT )

Stories and Scenarios

Variables with Simpsons – read stories involving characters from the Simpsons and determine the independent and dependent variables

Independent Variables – read a short sentence of science experiment and determine the variables

Beriberi and Penicillin – a short story on the discovery of penicillin and that Beriberi was caused by a vitamin deficiency

Discoveries in Science – focus on Pasteur’s experiment and other discoveries in science

The Martian and the Car – activity on life characteristics where students examine the traits of a car and determine if it is alive

Language of Science – focus on root terms to understand difficult scientific vocabulary

Logical Fallacies – activity on how reasoning works by focusing on specific logical fallacies

Units of Measurement – units matter! How many hands are on a horse?

Scientific Method Scenarios – activity where students are given a question and must design an experiment and identify variables

Asking Causal Questions – explore cause and effect with this flow chart experiment on water evaporation

Hands-On Activities

Scientific Method Experiments – a collection of short inquiry labs the focus on consumer science.  Students design and test their hypotheses

Fortune Telling Fish – Use the scientific method to determine what causes the fish the change when placed in the palm of the hand

Investigation:  What Are the Processes of Science – students design an experiment about lung capacity; requires spirometers, AP Biology

Sponge Capsules – quick lab using capsules and water (toys) to collect data on how fast the “animals” grow

Investigation – Heat Storage and Loss – Use a jar and different types of insulation to explore how heat is lost and which materials are better insulators ( Key, TpT )

Sponge Animals: Growing Insects – this lab grows sponge animals, graphs and calculates the growth rate (slope of line)

Plop Plop Fiz Fiz – measure the rate of dissolving in alka-seltzer tablets in both hot and cold water (a basic experiment for introducing the scientific method)

What Factors Affect How Quickly a Sweetart Dissolves – place candies in warm or cold water, add vinegar, etc.

Is Microwaved Water Harmful to Plants – use germinating seeds that have been soaked in distilled water and microwaved water

Water in Living Things – investigate how much water is stored in grass clippings

Gummi Bear Experiment – inquiry lab investigating the dissolving properties of gummi bears

Mystery Eggs – students use the scientific method to guess how many nails are hidden inside plastic eggs

Mystery Powder – containers with baking soda, corn starch, flour, sugar and salt. Students conduct tests to determine the contents.

Saving Sam – using paperclips rescue Sam, the gummy worm by putting a life preserver on him

Observation – opener lab, using the senses to investigate hardware items, then describe item

Pendulum Project – Inquiry based, experimental design and data analysis (physical science)

Penny Lab – conduct an experiment on surface tension,  water drops are added to a penny and compared with soapy water

Properties of Water – Investigation exploring cohesion, adhesion, heat capacity, presented as lab station activities

Carbon Dioxide Production – determine how activity changes the amount of CO2 expelled in breath

Making Slime – instructions for creating a polymer with glue and borax

Measuring Lung Capacity – graphing and data gathering using balloons to measure vital capacity

What is the Effect of Exercise on Heart Rate – aligned to NGSS, feedback mechanisms and homeostasis. Students design and conduct an experiment.

Investigation:  What Factors Effect the Heart Rate of Daphnia –  expose a tiny crustacean to ethanol and gather data on its heart rate

Investigation: What Factors Affect Seed Germination – simple experiment where students use beans and different variables (water, light, temperature)

Lab – Identify Controls and Variables – station lab where students perform tasks, like measuring the absorbency of paper towels.

Virtual Labs

Can Crickets Tell the Temperature?  – change the temperature and count the number of chirps

Virtual Lab – Independent and Dependent Variables

Analyzing and Graphing Data

Analyzing Data – make and interpret graphs, summarize data trends

Graphing Data – Flow Rates  – graph the flow rate of liquids in a pipe, simple plot and draw two lines

Graphing Practice – given data sets, such as video games scores and shirt colors, students create line and bar graphs, activity paired with growing sponge animals while students wait on results

Interpreting Graphs and English Usage – simple graph showing tadpoles, this is more of a vocabulary lesson on words used to interpret graphs, such as fluctuate, decline, stabilize…

Data Collection is Fun(gi) – use notes gathered in a field journal to create a data table to organize information about fungi and graph the relationship between fruiting body size and number.

Interpreting Graphs – shows a pie chart with grades, a scatter plot, and a few line graphs with questions to answer about each.

Microscope Use

How to Use a Microscope – basic guidelines, tips and troubleshooting for the classroom light microscope | Presentation

Label a Microscope – image of a basic classroom microscope for students to label parts Microscope Coloring  – learn the parts of the microscope by coloring

Microscope “E” Lab – use a microscope to examine the letter “e” and learn how to focus

Virtual Microscope Lab – uses an online virtual microscope, students can actually focus and adjust light using the simulator

Microscope Lab (advanced)  – for AP Biology

Lab Reports

Lab Report Template & Rubric

Scientific Method Flowchart – this flow chart can be used for any experimental design.  Students organize their experiment, identify the controls and variables, collect data and draw conclusions.

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Ninth Grade (Grade 9) Scientific Method Questions

You can create printable tests and worksheets from these Grade 9 Scientific Method questions! Select one or more questions using the checkboxes above each question. Then click the add selected questions to a test button before moving to another page.

• independent variable
• dependent variable
• controlled variable
• uncontrolled variable
• Group A is the control group; Group B is the experimental group.
• Group A is the experimental group; Group B is the control group.
• Group A is the hypothesis; Group B is the theory.
• Group A is the variable; Group B is the observation.
• Group A is the theoretical group; Group B is the hypothetical group.
• collect and analyze data
• conduct the experiment
• state the problem to be investigated
• draw a conclusion based upon the observations
• the amount of soil in the pots
• the color of the light given to the plants
• the amount of water given to the plants
• the amount of time the experiment was conducted
• independent
• manipulated
• If the light is red, then the plant will grow.
• If the investigator uses pea plants, then there will be a lot of growth.
• If plants are grown under different colored lights, then they will grow different heights.
• If a month passes, then the plant will grow under the red light.
• observable.
• measurable.
• repeatable.
• all of the above
• state the problem
• design the experiment
• record and analyze the data
• state the hypothesis
• independent variable.
• hypothesis.
• dependent variable.
• explain the reason for doing the investigation.
• state an expected outcome of the investigation.
• state whether the data supports the hypothesis.
• give sources of information to help the investigation.
• the amount of liquid
• the type of liquid
• scientific method
• observation
• reproducible.
• methodical.
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