The Scientific Method: Steps to solving scientific problems

Recognize the problem/Ask a Question The flashlight does not work!!! Or Why doesn’t the flashlight work?

Observe Research The bulb does not look broken There is no apparent damage The flashlight runs on alkaline batteries Alkaline batteries don’t last forever

Form A Hypothesis A hypothesis is a testable statement Generally written in an “if…then...” format “If I replace the batteries and the flashlight works, then the batteries were dead.”

Experiment Testing the hypothesis

Parts of an experiment There are five parts to a good experiment –Independent Variable –Dependent variable –Control Group –Experimental group –Controls

Independent Variable The variable that is being tested. YOU choose and control this variable. –The batteries are the independent variable

Dependent Variable The variable that changes based on the independent variable –If the flashlight turns on or not is the dependent variable

Experimental group The things that you will be experimenting on. –The flashlight in question is the experimental group

Control Group The things that you do not experiment on. –Not changing the batteries in the flashlight would be the control group

Experimental Controls The parts of the experiment that stay the same Everything that you can keep the same should be! – The flashlight, the bulb, the temperature, the humidity, the time of day.

Record and Analyze Data Record all data in tables Graph all data. Take pictures, sketches, etc. –The flashlight did not work with the old batteries. It did work with the new batteries.

PROVE Form a conclusion Either support or reject (disprove) your hypothesis. NEVER PROVE! – The hypothesis was supported. The batteries are most likely the problem.

Present Findings There are three ways that findings are generally presented –1. properly written scientific paper –2. scientific poster presentation –3. oral presentation in front of colleagues