Scientific Method A series of problem solving procedures used by scientists to answer questions

6 Basic Steps

1. Observe and identify a problem Gather information using your senses and examine prior research

Propose an answer for a scientific question 2. Form a Hypothesis Propose an answer for a scientific question

3. Design & Conduct an Experiment Collect data to support or reject the hypothesis

4. Analyze Data (2 Types of Data) Qualitative: Description in words of what is being observed (ex. color, odor, texture, etc.) Quantitative: numeric measurements (ex. mass, time, volume, etc.)

Do your results support or reject your hypothesis? Why? 5. Evaluate Results Do your results support or reject your hypothesis? Why?

6. Repeat the experiment or test an alternative hypothesis

Scientific Method Part II *Handout Parts of an Experiment

Example Does the amount of water used to water a plant affect how tall the plant will grow?

EXPERIMENT Independent variable Dependent Variable Constants

A condition that is manipulated or changed Independent Variable A condition that is manipulated or changed Example – amount of water

The data that is collected through observation and measurement Dependent Variable The data that is collected through observation and measurement Example – height of plant

The conditions that do not change during the experiment Constants The conditions that do not change during the experiment Example – type of plant, amount of sunlight, location of plant, etc.

Experimental Group vs. Control Group

The group exposed to the independent variable of the experiment Experimental Group The group exposed to the independent variable of the experiment

Control Group A group that is not exposed to the independent variable of the experiment. Note: not all experiments require a control group! ex. Comparing brands of paper towels

Experiment: A biologist gives a new kind of food to a group of dogs and compares the weight gain of these dogs over time to a group of similar dogs that do not receive the new food What is the… Experimental Group: Control Group: Independent Variable: Dependent Variable:

Experiment: Scientists have created a new shoe with springs on the bottom that they believe will allow people to run faster. One group was given the new shoe, while the other was given identical shoes without springs. Both groups of people (who were all physically fit) were asked to run a 100m sprint. What is the… Experimental Group: Control Group: Independent Variable: Dependent Variable:

Create your own Scenario Each group will work together to create a scenario that includes: Experimental Group Control Group Independent Variable Dependent Variable *Do not indicate the answers because another group will be filling that part out!