The Scientific Method You Should Take Notes 

Step 1 : Identify A Problem When you identify a problem you must put it in a form of a question. For example, “What’s in the bag?” After you form a question you take observations.

Step 2: Form a Hypothesis “A hypothesis is a reasonable and educated possible answer based on what you know and what you observe.” For example, “I think there is a rock in the bag.”

Step 3: Experiment A controlled experiment involves changing one factor and observing its effect on another, while keeping all other factors constant. The control is what remains constant!

Step 3: Experiment (continued) Variables are factors that can be changed in an experiment. The variable that is changed in an experiment is called the independent variable. (object; it’s what your testing!)

Step 3: Experiment (continued) The dependent variable changes as a result of a change in the independent variable. It usually is the dependent variable that is observed in an experiment. (ex. mass, quantity of objects, what it feels like)

Step 4: Analyze Your Data A scientific investigation always contains observations: called data. Data can be recorded as tables, charts, or graphs.

Step 5: Conclude and Communicate When concluding, ask yourself two questions: First, does the conclusion make sense? Second, are there any other possible explanations?

Step 6: Repeat and/or Revise If Hypothesis Supported Repeat Experiment Several Times! If Hypothesis NOT supported Modify Future Hypothesis! 9

Scientific Theory An attempt to explain why something happens based on observations and results from many investigations is called a scientific theory. They are the best current explanation for something They can change as new information is discovered Example: the “big bang theory” 10

Scientific Law A rule that describes a pattern in nature is a scientific law. It does NOT attempt to explain why Example: Newton’s Laws They tell us as apple will fall to the ground when dropped but NOT why gravity exists or how it works

"Applying Math: Make a Data Table" p. 17 Spring Summer Fall Winter 1997 1998 1999 "Practice Problems" p. 17 Q: Which season had the greatest difference in temperatures over the three years from 1997 through 1999?

"Applying Math: Make a Data Table" p. 17 Spring Summer Fall Winter 1997 11⁰C 25⁰C 5⁰C - 5⁰ C 1998 9⁰C 36⁰C 10⁰C - 3⁰C 1999 30⁰C - 2⁰C "Practice Problems" p. 17 Q: Which season had the greatest difference in temperatures over the three years from 1997 through 1999?

"Applying Math: Make a Data Table" p. 17 Spring Summer Fall Winter 1997 11⁰C 25⁰C 5⁰C - 5⁰ C 1998 9⁰C 36⁰C 10⁰C - 3⁰C 1999 30⁰C - 2⁰C "Practice Problems" p. 17 Q: Which season had the greatest difference in temperatures over the three years from 1997 through 1999? A: Summer had the greatest difference in temperatures over the three years from 1997 through 1999 because the data shows an 11⁰C difference in temperature across these three years