Hypothesis Hunters Slides
MISSION BRIEF
UNIT 1.1
HYPOTHESIS
HUNTERS
Cracking nature's codes through the Scientific Method. Meet your new tools for investigating the universe.
Investigator Launch
Ready your tools for exploration
Slide 1 of 10
THE MAP
THE 6 STEPS
The Scientific Road Map
01
Observe
Notice details using your five senses.
02
Question
Ask who, what, when, where, why, or how.
03
Hypothesize
Formulate a testable prediction.
04
Experiment
Design a fair and repeatable test.
05
Analyze
Examine measurements and patterns.
06
Conclude
Summarize results and share discoveries.
✏️ Notes Match: Use Section 1 of your Guided Notes
Slide 2 of 10
STEPS 1 & 2
LOOK & WONDER
Observations vs. Inferences
The scientific method begins when you pay close attention to the world around you.
Observation (What you see/measure)
Objective facts gathered directly through the five senses. e.g., "The liquid is bubbling."
Inference (What you guess based on clues)
Logical conclusions or guesses based on observations. e.g., "The liquid is hot."
CHECK-IN
Spot the Difference!
Look at this scenario: "The school bell did not ring at 3:00 PM, and teachers are looking at their watches."
A
"The power is out in the school." (Inference)
B
"The school bell was silent at 3:00 PM." (Observation)
🧠 Challenge: Name one observation and one inference you made today!
✏️ Notes Match: Look for "Look & Wonder" section
Slide 3 of 10
STEP 3
THE PREDICTION
How to Build a Hypothesis
A hypothesis isn't just an "educated guess"—it is a testable prediction that links cause to effect.
THE BLUEPRINT FOR SUCCESS
IF...
We make this change (Cause):
Independent Variable
THEN...
This outcome will happen (Effect):
Dependent Variable
BECAUSE...
This is the science reason why:
Scientific Rationale
Example: "IF we increase water temperature, THEN sugar will dissolve faster BECAUSE warm water molecules move quicker to break chemical bonds."
Can you test a hypothesis that says: "Plants are happier when played jazz music"?
No! How do you measure "happiness"?
✏️ Notes Match: Step 3 Hypothesis Blueprint
Slide 4 of 10
STEP 4 PART 1
VARIABLES
The Three Types of Variables
To make sure an experiment is a fair test, you must isolate and control your variables.
Independent
"The Changer"
The single variable that the scientist purposefully changes or manipulates.
Only change ONE at a time!
Dependent
"The Measurer"
The response you observe and measure. It changes because of the Independent Variable.
This is your data/results.
Controlled
"The Constants"
All the factors that must stay exactly the same throughout the experiment.
Keeps the test completely fair.
✏️ Notes Match: Identify the 3 Variables
Slide 5 of 10
MISSION PRACTICE
FIELD TESTING
SCENARIO DEBRIEF
Case of the Glow-in-the-Dark Yeast
Dr. Elena wants to see if adding different amounts of sugar makes baker's yeast glow brighter under ultraviolet (UV) light. She uses three identical beakers, the same room temperature, and identical water amounts.
Identical Beakers
Constant Temp
Let's Crack the Variables:
Independent Variable
Amount of sugar added
Dependent Variable
Brightness of glow (UV)
Controlled Variables
Beakers, Water, Temperature
Now fill in your guided notes Scenario Practice!
✏️ Notes Match: Practice with "Glow-in-the-Dark Yeast"
Slide 6 of 10
STEPS 5 & 6
DATA & CONCLUSIONS
Analyzing & Concluding
Once your experiment wraps up, the real science magic begins! You look at the data to build your conclusion.
Quantitative Data (Numbers)
Measurable counts, weights, or rates. e.g., "The glow is 45 lumens."
Qualitative Data (Descriptions)
Adjectives and characteristics. e.g., "The glow looks bright yellow."
CRITICAL THINKING
What if your hypothesis is wrong?
If your data does not support your hypothesis, is the experiment a failure?
No! Absolutely Not!
In science, disproving a hypothesis is just as valuable. It shows you what paths to cross off and helps you build a better test next time.
🧠 True science is about discovery, not being right!
✏️ Notes Match: Draw patterns & definitions
Slide 7 of 10
REAL SCIENCE
MODERN SPOTLIGHT
Scientists in the Wild
The scientific method isn't just in textbooks. These diverse modern pioneers use it every day!
Earth Mapping Pioneer
Dr. Gladys West
Used vast computer calculations to observe and model the Earth's perfect shape. Her discoveries led directly to the creation of GPS navigation technology!
Marine Ecology Innovator
Dr. Ayana E. Johnson
Investigates and tests hypotheses on how coral reefs can co-exist safely with coastal fishing communities. Her work helps save critical marine life!
✏️ Notes Match: Real-World Scientists section
Slide 8 of 10
LAB PROTOCOLS
SAFETY PREP
Hunting Safely
Before we step into our next hands-on experiment, we must secure our tools and review critical lab safety parameters.
Always Wear Safety Goggles
No Eating or Drinking in the Lab
Report Spills to Teachers Instantly
UPCOMING TEST
Your Lab Quest!
In our next hands-on activity, we will put the scientific method to work in our very own Variables Faceoff!
Our Task: Testing how temperature alters reactions.
Our Gear: Goggles, timers, water bath tubes.
The Key: Isolating controls perfectly.
🔒 Sign the safety waiver on Page 2 of your notes!
✏️ Notes Match: Review "Lab Safety & Agreement"
Slide 9 of 10
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
READY TO HUNT
You are now official
Hypothesis Hunters!
You have the roadmap, you know the variables, and you have safety on lock. Your exploration has only just begun.
Next Objective:
Complete the Graphic Notes pages & get ready for the Lab!
Slide 10 of 10
Hypothesis Hunters Notes Worksheet
HYPOTHESIS HUNTERS NOTES
UNIT 1.1
NAME:
DATE:
PERIOD:
1
The Scientific Method Road Map
Fill in the missing words as we explore the six stages of a scientific quest.
STEP 1
OBSERVE
Notice details about the world around you using your five _______________________.
STEP 2
QUESTION
Formulate a scientific question starting with who, what, when, where, ___________________.
STEP 3
HYPOTHESIZE
Create a testable _______________________ linking a cause directly to an effect.
STEP 4
EXPERIMENT
Design and run a _______________________ and repeatable test to gather evidence.
STEP 5
ANALYZE
Examine your measurements, organize data, and search for _______________________.
STEP 6
CONCLUDE
Summarize your _______________________, declare findings, and share them with others.
2
Observations vs. Inferences
Key Vocabulary
Observation:
Objective facts gathered directly through your five _______________________.
Inference:
Logical conclusions or smart _______________________ made using observations as clues.
SCENARIO
Spot the Difference!
Read: "The school bell did not ring at 3:00 PM, and teachers are looking at their watches."
Classify each statement below as either an Observation or Inference:
1
"The power is out in the school." → ______________________
2
"The school clock shows 3:02 PM." → ______________________
3
The Hypothesis Formula
Write the formula framework below and complete the mini-challenge.
IF...
We change the:
_______________________
(Independent Variable)
THEN...
We will measure the:
_______________________
(Dependent Variable)
BECAUSE...
Our scientific reason is:
_______________________
(Scientific Rationale)
Hypothesis Hunters • Guided Student Notes Page 1 of 2
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