Mrs. Cano-Michael– 9th Grade Scientific Method 101 Mrs. Cano-Michael– 9th Grade

1. Observation Uses the 5 senses to identify a PROBLEM – sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste It is what you notice and leads to QUESTIONS – what? when? where? why? and how?

2. Hypothesis A prediction or possible answer to the question asked. Also known as an INFERENCE because it takes the observation to the next level of thinking  Is written in an “If…, then…” format

3. Experiment Tests the hypothesis Controlled Experiment  choosing ONE variable to manipulate and observing its effect on a SECOND variable (while everything else remains the same) Controlled Variables  any and all variables that remain the SAME (CONSTANT) during the experiment

3. Experiment (continued) Independent Variable  the ONE variable (thing) you deliberately change; found on the x-axis of a graph Dependent Variable  the RESPONDING (2nd) variable - the result; found on the y- axis of a graph

3. Experiment (continued)

4. Collect Data Data is recorded in a DATA TABLE immediately as it is collected in the lab X = Independent Y = Dependent

5. Analyze Data It is necessary to determine the relationship between the two variables in the experiment EXAMPLE Increasing, Decreasing, Direct, Indirect Data is interpreted in a GRAPH

6. Conclusion Discuss the Data Discuss the Experiment Design Describe the results Address the hypothesis Discuss the Experiment Design Address all the variables involved “The results (dis)prove the hypothesis because…” Discuss the Results Name the concept that was being tested Give the reasons for the result

7. Right or Wrong??? Right  Wrong  Theory Law Change hypothesis Start over

SM Flow Chart

I love THINKING!!!