Testing and Improving Prototypes

What You'll Learn

The scientific method is a systematic approach to investigating questions. It involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

Key Words

refraction
hypothesis
variable

Materials Needed

tape
scissors
straws

Safety First

Dispose of materials properly after the experiment.
Handle glass items carefully to avoid breakage.
Do not mix unknown chemicals together.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Look at the vocabulary words and write a definition for each in your own words.

Step 2 — Do

Design an experiment to test a hypothesis. Identify your independent variable, dependent variable, and controls. Run the experiment and present results.

Step 3 — Observe

Observe what happens and describe it in detail.

Step 4 — Record

Record your observations in your science journal with measurements and descriptions.

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What is a hypothesis?