Introduction to the Scientific Method

Warm Up DO NOT TOUCH ANYTHING AT YOUR TABLE!!!!! What do you think are the steps of the scientific method? Pretend you are doing a science fair project. What is your testable question? What is your hypothesis? Write a procedure for your experiment.

Objectives SWBAT use the scientific method to design an experiment.

Scientific Methods The scientific method is: A series of steps used by scientists to solve a problem or answer a question. The Steps to the Scientific Method Make Observations Ask a Question Form a Hypothesis Plan and Conduct an experiment Record and Analyze Results Draw Conclusions

Observation / Asking a Question After making observations (gathering information with our senses) a problem or a question must be identified. A good question is testable. It leaves out the supernatural and focuses on a cause and effect or a comparison. How does temperature effect the activity level of ants? What effect does temperature have on heart rate? Does recycled paper decompose quicker than non recycled paper?

A hypothesis is a possible explanation to the question or problem.

Designing a Controlled Experiment The factors in an experiment that can be changed are called variables. In a controlled experiment, only one variable is changed at a time. All other variables should be unchanged or “controlled”.

There are three variables in an experiment: C) The controlled variable is the variable that stays the same. a) The independent variable is the variable that is deliberately changed by the scientist. This what’s being tested. b) The dependent variable is the one observed during the experiment. The dependent variable is the data we collect during the experiment. This data is collected as a result of changing the independent variable.

Control Groups Some experiments often have a control group. A control group is a group/part of the experiment that is not changed. It is kept “normal” and we do not apply the independent variable.

Wrap Up What are the steps of the scientific method? What step do you think is the most important, why or why not? There is not right or wrong answer but you must be able to defend your answer.

Warm Up List the independent, dependent, and controlled variable and the control group for each of the following experiments. Tomato plants grown with music have more tomatoes. Fish oil in your diet will improve your memory. Trout raised in cold water weigh more than trout raised in warm water.

Tomato plants grown with music have more tomatoes. Independent variable? Dependent variable? Control group? Controlled variable?

Fish oil in your diet will improve your memory. Independent variable? Dependent variable? Control group? Controlled variable?

Trout raised in cold water weigh more than trout raised in warm water. Independent variable? Dependent variable? Control group? Controlled variable?

Recording and Analyzing Results 1. The data that has been collected must be organized and analyzed to determine whether the data are reliable. 2. Does the data support or not support the hypothesis?

Drawing Conclusions The evidence from the experiment is used to determine if the hypothesis is proven or disproven. Experiments must be repeated over and over. When repeated, the results should always be the same before a valid conclusion can be reached.

Wrap Up How do your results compare? Why might one be popping more? Make a prediction for soaked

Warm Up Grab the sheet of paper from the Monday drawer. Begin working on the word search.

Objectives SWBAT use the scientific method to design an experiment.

Wrap Up Which popcorn popped best? Did your data differ from the class average? Did you find a better type? Why do you think this type of popcorn popped the best?