Steps of answering a scientific question (Experimental Design, Scientific Investigation)

Steps of answering a scientific question 1. Pose a Testable Question 2. Form a Hypothesis 3. Design an Experiment Materials Procedures Collect Data 4. Analyze Data 5. Draw a Conclusion 6. Communicate your results

Observation vs. Inference A visual or provable fact Inference An opinion or conclusion based on observed facts

1. Pose a Testable Question Careful observations lead to questions that arise All scientific investigations begin with a question Experiments can only ask testable questions NOT a testable question: How does a pendulum work? A testable question: Does the time it takes a pendulum to swing back and forth depend on the length of the pendulum cord?

2. Form a hypothesis An idea that can be tested by an experiment. All experiments should have a hypothesis An “if, then, because “statement What you think the results will show

3. Design an Experiment A planned way to test a hypothesis A way to collect data Writing out procedures and collecting materials Identifies the independent, dependent and control variables

4. Analyze Data Presents the findings of the experiment What data shows States if the hypothesis was correct (supported) or incorrect (negated) General observations are recorded as well as measurements Graphing is used to express analysis

5. Draw a conclusion Conclusions are explanations that are based on evidence from observations Does my observation support my hypothesis? If your results do not support your hypothesis, you would have to rethink.

6. Communicate your results Communicate your questions, ideas, and results with others Allows others to evaluate and understand your experiment Gives you a chance to see if any mistakes were made in experimental design, calculations, or analysis Sharing results may also give you new ideas of other topics to investigate