The Basics:
There are many different ways to diagram out the scientific method, some having as few as 3 steps, others having as many as 10 steps. What is important to understand is the key components of the scientific method, and to remember to always have a control, to only test for one variable, and to repeat, repeat, repeat your experiment.
Scientific Method Powerpoints from various (unknown so I can't give credit) sources:
Powerpoint 1 * Powerpoint 2 * Powerpoint 3
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Scientific Method image from an unknown source.
Scientific Method Powerpoints from various (unknown so I can't give credit) sources:
Powerpoint 1 * Powerpoint 2 * Powerpoint 3
* ~ * ~ *
Scientific Method image from an unknown source.
Many students only look at the scientific method as the steps presented, and view it as a linear progression from step 1 to step 2, and so on. They don't often understand it can happen like this:
(Image source unknown)
(Image source unknown)
A good way to introduce the idea of non-linear process is to show the Ted Talk: How Simple Ideas Influenced Scientific Discovery with Adam Savage of Mythbusters. It is a brief and energetic video, and Mr. Savage is a very dynamic speaker.
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Having Fun With the Scientific Method:
If you are looking for a creative way to teach the Scientific Method, consider going with an old favorite - the Mentos and Diet Coke experiment. Start out fun with Mentos/Diet Coke videos that are a little over the top - numerous fountains and weird music. Then move on to the Mythbuster's segment on just what parts of the Mentos and Diet Coke are reacting with each other. This is a really fun way to show the individual steps in the Scientific Method - isolating an individual variable and systematic testing until you can come about reaching a conclusion.
Mentos and Diet Coke video 1 * Mentos and Diet Coke video 2
Mythbusters - Scientific Method - What makes mentos react with diet coke?
Mentos and Diet Coke video 1 * Mentos and Diet Coke video 2
Mythbusters - Scientific Method - What makes mentos react with diet coke?
Scientific Method Labs and Activities:
Interactive exploration of the scientific method. Check out Disease Detective and Forensics.