The Scientific Method What is it? Mrs. Martins

WHAT is Science? Science is a process Science is an organized way of thinking about the natural world

The Scientific Method is a series of steps scientists use to answer questions or solve problems.

The steps of the Scientific Method

Ask a question Make a Hypothesis Test the Hypothesis Analyze Results 6th Grade. Ask a question Make a Hypothesis Test the Hypothesis Analyze Results Draw Conclusions Communicate Results

Ask a question Conduct Research Make a Hypothesis Test the Hypothesis 7th – 8th Grade Ask a question Conduct Research Make a Hypothesis Test the Hypothesis Analyze Results Draw Conclusions Communicate Results

Ann (Rich) Has Twenty Adorable Dogs and Cats Mnemonics to help remember … Ann (Rich) Has Twenty Adorable Dogs and Cats

Based on making Observations ASK A QUESTION Curiosity, Skeptism, Objective, Logic, Careful observation, Creative Based on making Observations Use the 5 senses -

FORM A HYPOTHESIS A possible explanation or answer to question; educated guess Then make a prediction Use the IF….THEN…BECAUSE format Must be testable Must be measurable Remember: Just because it’s not, doesn’t mean it’s wrong!

TEST THE HYPOTHESIS 1 Conduct a controlled experiment Carefully identify all variables A “Fair” or unbiased experiment tests only one variable at a time Write prediction in “if… then…” (cause…effect…) format.

3 Types of Variables Controlled variables - are all kept constant by scientist throughout the experiment.

2. Manipulated/Independent variable … is what the scientist changes on purpose (the “if” part, or cause)

3. Responding/Dependent Variable - is what you measure (the “then” part, or effect) - Results obtained from changing the independent variable

Variables may be … Quantitative - Can be counted or measured: length, quantity, time Qualitative - Can only be described: quality, color, taste,

The Control Group The set of experiments that contain everything except the manipulated variable

TEST THE HYPOTHESIS 2 If no experiment is possible, do further observation and research If your investigation calls for creating technology, build or model it

ANALYZE RESULTS Collect data into tables and graphs Use mathematical tools (like the calculator or computer) to help

Do NOT ask: Is my experiment right or wrong? DRAW CONCLUSIONS Ask: Do my results support my hypothesis? Show it to be true or false? Supported or not supported by the experiment Do NOT ask: Is my experiment right or wrong?

Check/Share results with colleagues: peer review COMMUNICATE RESULTS Check/Share results with colleagues: peer review Publish results in a report, scientific journal, meetings, internet, etc

Writing a Lab Report Title: Question: Research: Hypothesis: Materials: Procedure: Results: Analysis: Conclusion:

Other Terms to Know Technology – application of science Theory – unifying explanation for a broad range of observations and hypotheses – answers why. Law – Summary of scientific results. WHAT happens or HOW things work, but not WHY