SQUISH BOOK Solving a problem SCIENTIFICALLY

State the Problem Think of a question you want to investigate. Ask yourself, “What do I want to learn more about?”, or “I wonder what would happen if...?” Make sure your question is clear, can be tested and measureable!

State the Problem: My blackberries did not grow well this year. Why did my blackberries not grow well?

Form a Hypothesis If – then statement! A possible answer to your question that can be tested. Along with your hypothesis, please include WHY you chose your hypothesis! If – then statement!

Form a Hypothesis: My blackberries did not grow well because we did not get much rain.

Form a Hypothesis Continued…… Remember: It’s okay if your hypothesis turns out to be wrong. A hypothesis is simply an educated guess. HYPOTHESES are NOT supposed to be wild guesses!

Perform an Experiment Develop an experiment with a control and variable Control -standard to which the outcome of a test is compared - does not change Variable – something in the experiment that can be changed. Your experiment should have only ONE variable Please list all the materials you used, and include step-by-step instructions for your experiment.

Perform an Experiment Blackberry plants are placed in moderately lit areas all receiving the same amount of light each day (CONTROL). Each plant will receive different amount of water(VARIABLE). The size of the berries will be recorded daily once the plants begin to produce berries. Materials: Blackberry plants in pots Watering can Measuring cup

Analyze Data This is where you average the necessary data and make a graph. Record your experiment results Organize your data in a table or chart Create a graph to explain your findings Make sure to label the axes of your Graph and include units… The symbols that describe a number. ( ex: m, km, cm, seconds, liters, etc.)

Analyze Data The raspberry plants receiving 1 cup of water daily grew to 1/2 " in diameter and those receiving two cups of water grew to 3/4 " in diameter.

Draw Conclusions FIRST….tell us of your results— did your hypothesis fit the data or not? Did anything strange happen during your experiment? Could this affect your results? (uncontrolled variables) How could you improve your experiment in the future? (future wonder)

Draw Conclusions The raspberry plants receiving the most water grew the biggest. Therefore, the hypothesis is supported that this year's raspberries did not get enough rain.

What is an inference? NOTES: An inference is what you think or imply from what you see