Students Should Know

The Scientific Method

There are many styles of the Scientific Method with differing numbers of steps, but the style listed here is specific, precise, and easy to follow.

The Equation for Photosynthesis

Carbon Dioxide + Water + Light Energy > Glucose + Oxygen
Chlorophyll

Glucose is a form of sugar, and is sometimes called "food".
Chlorophyll is a green pigment contained in chloroplasts, cell structures found in green plants.

1. State the problem or question.
2. Research and gather information on the problem.
3. Form a hypothesis based on the research.
     (Currently, it is desirable to state the hypothesis in an "if...then" form.)
4. Design and perform experiments to test the hypothesis.
5. Results: collect, record, and analyze data.
6. State a conclusion.
     (The conclusion needs to include an answer to the question, "Did the experiment
     prove the hypothesis?)
7. Repeat the work many times.
     (Some forms switch steps 6 and 7 because one can come to a more accurate
     conclusion after several repetitions of the experiment.)