The Scientific Method 8-19-15

I CAN explain the steps of the scientific method and identify variables involved in experimental study.

Introduction to the Scientific Process The Scientific Method is a logical, systematic approach to solving a scientific problem. Who is the scientist?

Overview of the Scientific Process Identify a problem Gather Information Formulate a hypothesis Design an Experiment Record and Organize Data Analyze Data Draw Conclusions Conclusions can lead to revising the existing hypothesis or developing a new hypothesis.

Step 1: Identify a Problem Observe the world around you. Using observations, identify a problem you would like to solve. This is a question you DO NOT know the answer to and can’t look up and must be testable. “Why” and “What would happen if…” are good beginnings of scientific questions.

Step 2: Gather Information Use references to do background research. (Do not need to reinvent the wheel!) Books Journals Magazines Internet TV Videos Interview Experts

Step 3A: Formulate a Hypothesis Possible answer to a question that can be tested. Based on observations and knowledge. “If” “Then” or “Because” statement.

Step 3B: Formulate a Null Hypothesis It’s very possible that a hypothesis will NOT be supported by the research. An experiment also has a NULL HYPOSTHESIS – this is a statement that says there is NO RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE VARIABLES being studied in the experiment.

Step 4: Develop an Experiment An EXPERIMENT is a procedure designed to TEST A HYPOTHESIS. Organized, well thought out, step by step process. Can take place in a LABORATORY or in the FIELD. Involves a number of VARIABLES – factors that can change the outcome of the experiment.

Variables: Manipulated Variable The MANIPULATED VARIABLE is the factor that the experimenter CHANGES to observe its effect(s). Sometimes called the Independent Variable. The “I” means whoever is running the experiment. This is the students

Variables: Responding Variable Changes in response to the manipulated variable. Is measured in the experiment. Sometime called the Dependent Variable.

Variables: Constant All the factors in the experiments that are kept the same are known as CONSTANTS. Everything except the manipulated and responding variables. Keeps the experiment “fair”.

Variable: Control Group The normal condition that you compare the responding variable to. Allows the experimenter to decide the effects of the manipulated variable.

Step 5: Record and Organize Data Write down all observations and measurements. NEVER destroy data! Use tables/graphs/charts to organize your data. Label Everything including manipulated and responding variables. Which one of these independent variables is the control? The Blue ink on white paper, since this is the conditions that we first observed i.e. the “normal” conditions Which part of the independent variable is the constant? The blue ink stays the same in both experiments, only the background changes to test the contrast. Would it be fair to use yellow ink on white paper to test the contrast (a light color ink on a white paper)? No. because that experiment also tests the color of ink (since the color changes), not the contrast.

Step 6: Analyze Data EXAMINE the data collected. Does it SUPPORT the hypothesis? YES Repeat experiment. Have others conduct same experiment. NO Repeat experiment. Review/discard hypothesis.

Exit Slip A student in Mrs. Wright’s agriculture class wants to know if Miracle Grow fertilizer will help tomato plants grow larger than a generic brand from Wal-Mart. The student plants three plots of 20 plants each. One receives Miracle Grow, one the generic brand and the third no fertilizer. The height of the plants is measured and recorded every three days for 6 weeks. 1. What would be a valid hypothesis for this experiment? 2. What would be a null hypothesis for this experiment? 3. Why did the third group of plants get no fertilizer at all? 4. What are some controls in this experiment?