The Scientific Method The process of solving problems

What is the Scientific Method? l The scientific method is a series of steps that we go through to solve a problem or answer a question. l We use at least some of the steps every day.

Why use the Scientific Method? l The steps allow us to organize a plan to solve a problem. l Science is solving problems. l In our labs, we will solve problems and answer questions.

Controlled Experiment l An experiment in which we isolate one variable between the control group and the experimental group.

Steps of the Scientific Method

I. PROBLEM l The question that we are trying to answer or investigate.

II. HYPOTHESIS l A possible answer to our problem. An educated guess that relates back to our question or problem.

III. Experimental Design l A written plan describing how to set up an experiment to answer the problem. l Control Group l Experimental Group(s)

Note: l You data must be measurable and quantifiable l Your experiment must pertain to your hypothesis

IV. Data l This is information that we receive from our experiment. l We can use any of our five senses to obtain data to help us answer the question from our PROBLEM.

V. Interpreting the Data l This is where we give meaning to the data that was recorded. l Explain l Clarify l Summarize

VI. Conclusions l This step compares the hypothesis with the interpretation statement. l Hypothesis is Supported l Hypothesis is Contradicted (not supported) l Hypothesis is Not Supported

3.Design an experiment. How would you define an experiment? It is a test of a hypothesis.

Purpose or Question “problem" Controlled Variable(s) (constant across treatments) Hypothesis Responding Variable (measurement) manipulated Variable Procedure “methods” Treatments “may include a control” Prediction

Responding Variable ( dependant ) l The variable that you are measuring.(it is what you count or record in your data table). l Examples?

Manipulated Variable (Independent) lTlThe variable that you vary (manipulate) during the experiment. l It is the variable that you think will affect the responding variable.

Treatments l Appropriate levels (values) that you assign to the independent variable. l Examples?

Controlled Variable(s) l All independent variables other than the one being studied that are to be held constant.

Controlled Group A test subject in which the manipulated value is not applied

Do we run the experiment now ? l NO!

4. A prediction needs to be made before you run the experiment. What is a prediction? l A prediction is the expected result of an experiment (your “educated guess”). Usually it takes the form of an “if  then” statement. l Your prediction has to be based on your hypothesis.

5. Collect data. What is data? l It is the actual results of your experiment. (not the character on Star Trek)

6. Form a conclusion. What is a conclusion? l A conclusion is a statement on whether your hypothesis is supported or not. l If your data = your prediction, then your hypothesis is supported. l If your data = your prediction, then your hypothesis is not supported.

DOMAINCOMPLETE FORMAT  FDQ  On-time  Complete (all sections included/in-order) HYPOTHESIS  Problem  Variables (M/R/2C)  If-Then-Because/Cause-Effect-Reason RAW DATA  Data Table (all required data present)  Precision  Units GRAPHICAL ANALYSIS  Title (.5)  Labeled Axes (.5)  Units present (.5)  Proper spacing of X & Y axis values (.5) PROCESSED DATA  Interp. Questions CONCLUSION  Restated Hypothesis  Errors (3x)  Improvements (3x) TOTAL SCORE (N/15)

1. FORMAT l FDQ. Final Draft Quality. Is it presented on clean white paper, with no tears, rips or spiral-bound “fringe”? Is the text written in dark blue or black ink? Are there 1” margins on all four sides of the paper? Is it single-sided? Are there no more than two single mistakes per page (misspellings, ink- smears, words white-out, grammatical errors, etc.)? l On-time. Work is ready for grading and turn in when required. l Complete. All write-up sections are included and in the correct order.

2. HYPOTHESIS l Problem. What is the problem (or guiding question) requiring the experiment? l Variables (M/R/2C). The manipulated (independent) variable, responding (dependent) variable, and not less than two controlled variables are clearly identified. l If-Then-Because (Cause-Effect-Reason). The hypothesis is formatted to clearly show the relationship between the stated manipulated variable, responding variable.

3. RAW DATA l Data Table. The minimum required (or specified) amount of data is included. This generally means not less than three trials for the control and each test. l Precision. All data must be expressed to the appropriate degree of precision according to the measurement tools used to collect the data. Remember – data cannot be expressed at a degree of precision greater than the least-precise measurement. l Units. All appropriate units must be included and expressed clearly.

4. PROCESSED DATA l Graphical Analysis. Graphs must be clear and appropriate. This includes: graph clearly titled; x- axis labeled; x-axis proportionally drawn; y-axis labeled; y-axis proportionally drawn; data plotted cleanly and accurately. Line graphs will be used unless otherwise directed. l Interp. Questions. All of the interpretation questions assigned must be answered. Partial, incomplete of unclear responses will NOT receive credit. l NOTE: You will be creating interpretations of your data for your semester project. You will create the topics that are discussed.

5. CONCLUSION l Restated Hypothesis. The hypothesis is restated, and identified as having been SUPPORTED by the data, NOT SUPPORTED by the data, or as being INCONCLUSIVE (can’t tell). A concise justification is included, identifying the key evidence supporting the conclusion. (Be brief, and be specific.) l Errors (3x). Identify not less than three specific points, measurements or items which could be improved to increase the quality or validity of your results. l Improvements. Refer to your Errors (5.b. above) and detail what specific changes you would make to correct the identified errors.

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