Scientific Method

What is Science Based on the study of nature and the physical world Must eliminate bias = cannot include feelings Can be done poorly, so scientists ”check” the work of others in a process called peer review Develops theories A scientific theory is an explanation of nature supported by many observations and experiments over time Not a wild guess Involves ethics (morals) Uses the metric system (SI units = meters, grams, liters)

The Method Organized way of completing research to try and solve a problem or answer a question Step One = identify a problem Step Two = background information Step Three = hypothesis Step Four = experiment Step Five = analysis/conclusion

Step One: Identify the problem Ask a question Why is this experiment needed?

Step 2: Background Information What do I already know What have other scientists discovered Make observations Draw inferences – explanations General ideas

Step 3: Hypothesis Predicted outcome Example: Must be testable Can be wrong Example: If – then – because statements If I change the amount of water I provide this plant, then it will not grow as tall as the others, because plants need water to grow.

Step 4: Experiment design an investigation Materials = list all needed Procedure = numbered list of steps Controls and variables Things the scientist manipulates to cause a change Allows for information to be collected Tables graphs, diagrams Quantitative data = numbers Qualitative data = descriptions and observations

Step 5: Analysis/Conclusion Interpret your results and explain them Answer your question Share results with others (publish them)