Scientific Method A way of problem solving that involves experimentation, observation and data collection.

Before you begin….. Make observations and research what you are trying to test. Use your senses Use tools Observations can be Objective based on facts Subjective based on opinion

Before you begin….. State the problem by identifying what you are trying to test. Use your observations and research The problem can be stated in the form of a question. Ex. Which type of cream works best on poison ivy?

Before you begin…. Determine your variables Before you begin….. Determine your variables. (dependent and independent variables) A variable is a factor that affects the outcome of an experiment Independent variable is manipulated What you changed. Graphed on the x axis. Dependent variable responds. What happens because of what you changed. Graphed on the y axis

Variables continued… The independent variable and the dependent variable are stated in the problem. Which type of cream (independent) works to reduce the size of poison ivy rash (dependent)?

Before you begin…. Form a hypothesis A hypothesis is an educated guess based on your research and observations. It must be testable. It is stated as If (independent variable) then (dependent variable)

During the experiment you will test your hypothesis. The steps of the experiment must be specific enough so that anyone could repeat your process exactly. Your design should include a control group which receives the placebo or nothing. The control is used as your standard for comparison. Your design should include an experimental group that receives the independent variable. With in your experimental group constants must be maintained to insure accuracy.

During the experiment you should make observations and collect data. The experiment may provide you with quantitative data ( numbers) or qualitative data (descriptions) or both. Data should be collected and organized in a chart or graph.

After the experiment you should formulate a conclusion based on your hypothesis. The conclusion is based on the data and hypothesis. You should support your conclusion using specific data you collected. You must also include validity and areas for improvement.