The scientific method is an organized way to solve a problem

Steps of the Scientific Method State the problem Formulate a question using HOW WILL….AFFECT…? 2. Propose a hypothesis A hypothesis is an educated guess about what the solution to the problem is. (IF..THEN..BECAUSE) 3. Variables. Testing is done through experimentation. All experiments should contain a variable or a condition which can be changed. Some experiments also include a control in which no change is made. The control serves as the reference.

Steps of the Scientific Method 4. List all your materials needed for the lab 5. Step by Step Procedure 6. Results or Data The results of the experiment are recorded as data. Observations are made with our sense and instruments 7. Conclusions and analyze The data from the experiment needs to be looked at and analyzed. After this is done, a conclusion or answer to the problem

Example of the Scientific Method B5 Example of the Scientific Method: 1) Problem: HOW does SUNGLIGHT AFFECT the plant? 2) Hypothesis: IF kept in the dark THEN a green plant will wilt and die BECAUSE it lacks sunlight needed to produce photosynthesis 3) Variables: Take two plants of the same type, size and in the same soil. place one plant in complete darkness (IF…Independent variable) place the other one in sunlight (the control) Same amount of water for both plants (constant) Observe what happens to the plant (THEN…)

Scientific Method Cont’d 4) Materials: 2 identifcal plants Same soil Same pots Water 5) Procedure: 1) Place two identical plants in the same soil 2) Place one plant in the sunlight and the other in darkness 3) Give the same amount of water each day to both plants 4) Record your observations over 10 days

Scientific Method Cont’d 6) Results: Results are best explained using tables, graphs, writing, and drawings 7) Conclusion: Analyze the observations and write what you discovered.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD HYPOTHESIS BAD HYPOTHESIS GOOD HYPOTHESIS If I eat healthier then I will feel better If I eat green vegetables everyday then I will lower my sugar level If I study every night then I will become smarter If I read 5 minutes every night then I will increase my vocabulary by 10 words at the end of the week If I sleep then I will concentrate better If I get 8 hours of sleep every night, then my grades will increase. HYPOTHESIS MUST BE MEASURABLE!!!!!!

Independent & Dependent Variables MIX DRY Independent Variable: A variable that is controlled by the experimenter; the ONLY one over which YOU have direct control. (MIX) M=manipulated, I= independent, X= variable IF…… Dependent Variable: The thing that you measure in the experiment (Ex. Height of plant) D= dependent, R= responding, Y= variable THEN….

Independent & Dependent Variables