Scientific Method

Pre-Thinking… List the steps of the Scientific method in order on your paper

What is Science? The knowledge obtained by observing natural events and conditions in order to discover facts and formulate laws or principles that can be verified or tested.

Scientific Method Steps

Step # 1 Question What do you want to know? Must be narrowed enough to be tested.

Step # 2: Research Write down all the information you already know. Do research in books on the subject you are investigating. Ask a professional on the subject you are researching. If you find an answer to your problem/question you do not need to move on.

Step # 3: Form a Hypothesis An educated guess that is based on prior scientific research or observations that can be tested. “If, Then, Because” statement.

Step # 4: Experiment Testing a hypothesis Develop a test to prove or disprove your hypothesis. Must be run several times Must have only 1 independent variable. Must include a control and experimental group.

Step # 4: Experiment 2. Parts of an experiment Use a controlled experiment An experiment that tests only one factor at a time by using a comparison of a control group and experimental group. Control Group The group that the scientists changes NOTHING in. Experimental Group The group that the scientist always changes something. It is the variable in the experiment.

Step # 4: Experiment 3. Variables : The factor that is compared from one group to another. Independent Variable What is CHANGED in an experiment. Dependent Variable What is MEASURED in an experiment.

Step # 4: Experiment 4. Constants: What the scientist kept the SAME in both the control group and experimental group.

Step # 5: Analyze Data Make observations Any use of the senses to gather information. Qualitative Observations Anything you can see, taste, smell, touch or hear. Ex. Blue, bitter, fizzing sound. Quantitative Observations Any observation that can be measured Must include a number Ex. 5 cm long

Step # 5: Analyze Data 2. Record Data Any observations and measurements Be accurate when you are checking your experiments and recording the results. No estimating unless told to do so! Create tables or charts to collect data Create graphs from collected data.

Step # 6: Conclusions Communicate your results What to include: Restate the question What was your hypothesis? Do your results/data support your hypothesis? Why or why not? What are ways you can improve your data? What would you do differently if you were to repeat the experiment?