The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence.

1.) Problem/Question 2.) Observation/Research 7.) Communicate the Results 3.) Formulate a Hypothesis 4.) Experiment 5.) Collect and Analyze Results 6.) Conclusion

Steps of the Scientific Method Problem/Question 1. Problem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation. Example: Your car won’t start and you’re late for school

Steps of the Scientific Method Observation/Research 2. Observation/Research: Make observations and research your topic of interest. Example.)Make Observations: -Lights  Battery? -Starter? -Gas? -Other?

Steps of the Scientific Method Formulate a Hypothesis 3. Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to the problem or question. Example: The lights were left on all night  it must be the battery is dead

Steps of the Scientific Method Experiment 4. Experiment: Develop and follow a procedure. Include a detailed materials list. The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable). Example: Have somebody “jump” your car (charge the battery )

Steps of the Scientific Method Collect and Analyze Results5. Collect and Analyze Results: Modify the procedure if needed. Confirm the results by retesting. Include tables, graphs, and photographs. Example: Did charging the battery make the car start? Once you turn off the car, will it start again?

Steps of the Scientific Method Conclusion 6. Conclusion: Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis. Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure. Example: Charging the battery will help start a car when it won’t turn on if the battery is dead.

Steps of the Scientific Method Communicate the Results 7. Communicate the Results: Be prepared to present the project to an audience.

Scientific MethodCar Repair ObservationCar won’t turn on. Hypothesis (prediction)Predict battery is dead. TestReplace battery. Observe resultEngine now turns over. Revise hypothesis?Not needed. New test?Not needed. Scientific TheoryCars won’t work without a fully charged battery.

Do you know the difference between the independent and dependent variables?

Variables The independent variable (manipulated): is the factor that you are changing. The dependent variable(responding): is the factor that may change as a result of changes made in the independent variable  What you are measuring. The control group: the group that serves as the standard or comparison  may get “no treatment”. The control group is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group except for the variable being tested (independent variable).

Constants The constants in an experiment are all the factors that the experimenter attempts to keep the same  Constants might change the outcome of the experiment

Example 1 A new diet drug claims to be the most effective weight loss supplement on the market. Design an experiment to test this diet drug. Make sure to identify the independent, dependent variables, control group and constants. Question: Research: Hypothesis : Experiment : Independent variable- Dependent variable- Control group- Constants- Does the new diet drug help with weight loss? Do background research on diet drug Yes, I think it will help in weight loss/No, I don’t think it will help in weight loss. New diet drug Weight loss Group not taking new diet drug Diet, amount of exercise, type of exercise, etc. Conclusion : Communicate Results :

Graphing Results TimeWeight (lbs.) (new diet drug) Weight (lbs.) (no diet drug) Beginning Weight Week Week Week Week Week Week Week

Graphing Results Weight Lost (lbs.) Week 1Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6Week 7 Time Diet Drug vs. Weight Loss New Diet Drug No Diet Drug Key

Graphing Results

Example 2 Experiment: Different liquids contain different additives that could potentially affect the growth of a plant. This project will reveal how diet sierra mist (group A), orange juice (group C), and water (group B) affect the growth of plants. By measuring the growth (height) of each plant after watering them with the three liquids, I will be able to determine what liquid more positively affects the plants’ growth. Independent Variable: _____________________ Dependent Variable: ______________________ Control Group: __________________________ Constants: ______________________________

Time (days)Plant Height A (cm)Plant Height B (cm)Plant Height C (cm)