The Scientific Methods – JSS1 Intermediate Science Lesson Note (First Term)

What is the scientific method?

Have you ever noticed that your television won’t turn on, and you start checking if the plug is loose or if the power is out? If you have done this, you have used the Scientific Method without knowing it!

Definition

The Scientific Method is a step-by-step way that scientists use to solve problems and answer questions about nature. It is like a roadmap that helps scientists find the truth without guessing.

Why do we use it?

• It helps us be organized.
• It makes sure our results are accurate.
• It allows other people to test our ideas to see if we are right.

The first steps (observation & hypothesis)

Every great discovery starts with a simple look!

Step 1: Observation (The “I See” Step)

This is using your five senses (sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste) to notice something interesting.

• Example: You notice that the grass under a big tree is not as green as the grass in the open field.
• The Question: After observing, you ask a question. “Why is the grass under the tree yellow?”

Step 2: Hypothesis (The “Smart Guess” Step)

A hypothesis is an educated guess or a suggested explanation for what you observed. It isn’t just a random guess; it is a guess based on what you already know.

• Example: “I think the grass under the tree is yellow because the tree is blocking the sunlight.”

TESTING THE IDEA (EXPERIMENTATION)

This is the most exciting part of science!

Step 3: Experimentation (The “Test” Step)

An experiment is a test carried out to see if your hypothesis is right or wrong. To make a test fair, scientists use variables (things they change or keep the same).

• Example: You take two identical pots of green grass.
  1. You put one in the sun.
  2. You put the other in a dark cupboard (to represent the shade of the tree).
  3. You give both of them the same amount of water every day.

Step 4: Recording Data

While the experiment is going on, the scientist must write down what happens. These notes are called Data.

• Example: After 5 days, the plant in the cupboard is turning yellow, but the one in the sun is still green.

THE FINAL STEP (CONCLUSION)

Now that the test is over, it is time to give the answer.

Step 5: Conclusion (The “Result” Step)

The conclusion is a statement that says whether your hypothesis was correct or not based on your experiment.

• Example: “My experiment showed that grass needs sunlight to stay green. Therefore, my hypothesis was correct.”

What if the hypothesis was wrong?

That is okay! In science, a “wrong” guess is still a win because you have learned something new. You simply go back, make a new hypothesis, and try a different experiment.

Summary Table: The Scientist’s Journey

Class Activity

Can you use these steps to solve this mystery?

• Observation: Your flashlight (torch) will not shine.
• Hypothesis: __________________________________
• Experiment: ___________________________________
• Conclusion: ____________________________________