I ntroduction
How did our society get so many medicines to cure sickness? What enabled mankind to build computers and networking? Where did we get all the different kinds of plastics we use to build things? How did we get so good at growing different kinds of plants?

Answers to these and other questions were discovered by people using a process called the scientific method. In this Webquest you will learn and apply the steps of the Scientific Method.

Task
In this lesson you will:

• list the steps of the scientific method
• learn what each of the steps of the scientific method mean
• perform an experiment
• write up and turn in a lab report

Process
You will be placed into teams of two.
Use the following websites to identify and write down the steps of the scientific method on a piece of paper.

• Scientific Method (ASU)
• The Scientific Method
• The Scientific Method of Problem Solving

Use the following websites and explain in your own words, each step of the scientific method. Use this worksheet to write your answers.

• Testing a Hypothesis
• The Science Room
• Mad Scientist Explains the Scientific Method

Select one of the following experiments to perform.

• Effect of Gravity on a Twinkie - drop a twinkie from a specified height and record the results.
• Effect of Water on a Twinkie - submerge a twinkie in water and record the results.
• Effect of Heat on a Twinkie - burn a twinkie with a match and record the results. WARNING: You must have adult supervision while performing this experiment!!

Working with your partner, design the experiment (use this lab report to write it up). Be sure to determine a hypothesis (prediction) before you begin the experiment. Write out what you are going to do. Determine how to record the results.

Gather materials needed and perform the experiment.

Record the results of your experiment (use this lab report page to write up your experiment).

What to Turn in for this Lesson

• Your science journal naming the steps of the scientific method
• The scientifc method explanation worksheet
• Written scientific report including graphs and/or charts

Evaluation
Your experiment will be graded based on this rubric .

Conclusion
After you have performed and written up your experiments, you should have a good understanding of how scientists try to solve problems.