Scientific Method

Steps in the Scientific Method State the Problem State the Problem Collect Data, Observations Collect Data, Observations Hypothesis Hypothesis Experiment Experiment Record Collected Data Record Collected Data Conclusion Conclusion Retest Retest

Observations Gathered through your senses Gathered through your senses A scientist notices something in their natural world A scientist notices something in their natural world Example - noticing that many salamanders near a pond have curved, not straight, tails Example - noticing that many salamanders near a pond have curved, not straight, tails

Scientific Method Paper Airplane Lab

Steps in the Scientific Method State the Problem State the Problem Collect Data, Research, Observations Collect Data, Research, Observations Hypothesis Hypothesis Experimental Design Experimental Design Record Collected Data and Analyze Record Collected Data and Analyze Conclusion Conclusion Retest/Repeat Retest/Repeat

Identify and State the Question or Problem A scientist will identifies a problem in the world around them. A scientist will identifies a problem in the world around them. Example - noticing that some paper airplanes fly farther than others Example - noticing that some paper airplanes fly farther than others Then they must decide what they want to test. Then they must decide what they want to test.

Background Research/Observations Gathered through your senses Gathered through your senses Research is done on the internet, in articles, in other scientists reports, etc. Research is done on the internet, in articles, in other scientists reports, etc.

Hypothesis A suggested solution to the problem. A suggested solution to the problem. Must be testable Must be testable Should be written as If…Then… statement Should be written as If…Then… statement Predicts an outcome Predicts an outcome

Hypothesis How does weights on a paper airplane affect the distance traveled? How does weights on a paper airplane affect the distance traveled? Example of a hypothesis-- If you put 2 paper clips on the paper airplane then it will fly the farthest. Example of a hypothesis-- If you put 2 paper clips on the paper airplane then it will fly the farthest.

Experimental Design A procedure to test the hypothesis. A procedure to test the hypothesis. Very detailed step-by-step directions. Very detailed step-by-step directions.

Experiment An experimenter changes one factor and observes or measures what happens. A good or “valid” experiment will only have ONE tested variable! A good or “valid” experiment will only have ONE tested variable!

Variables In the Experiment  Independent variable- the part of the experiment I/the scientist change.  Dependent variable- the part of the experiment I/the scientist measure.  Constant – the things in an experiment that do not change.  Control (see next slide)

What is the Purpose of a Control? Controls are NOT being tested Controls are used for COMPARISON

Remember: To be a Valid Experiment: Two groups are required --- the control & experimental groups There should be only one variable tested.

Data Results of the experiment will be: quantitative (numbers) qualitative--Deals with descriptions. Can be organized into charts, tables, or graphs

Conclusion Results of the experiment are analyzed and the hypothesis is supported or rejected. Data is used to show support or rejection of the hypothesis.

Retest In order to verify the results, experiments must be repeated.

Review Solving a Problem 1)Identify a Problem 2) State Observations about the problem 3) Form a Hypothesis about the problem (if…then…) 4) Design an Experiment to test the hypothesis 5) Collect Data 6) Form a Conclusion 7) Retest