Testing and Improving Prototypes (Part 3)

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

Materials Needed

plastic wrap
cardboard
tape
scissors
straws

Safety First

Clean up spills immediately to prevent slipping.

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?