Scientific Method Notes

Scientific Method Step 1 – State the Problem State the problem or identify your question that you want to answer. How does…affect… Do research to give you some background information about the question you have.

Scientific Method Step 2 – Formulate the hypothesis Identify your variables: 1 independent, 1 dependent and 3 controlled. Predict a possible outcome using an “If… then… statement.” If [describe how you will change the independent variable], then [predict how the dependent variable will change].

Variables ndependent Variable: I This is the variable that is ntentionally changed by the nvestigator OR the factor that is different in a set of groups. i i Dependent Variable: This is the variable that only changes because of the change in the independent variable. This is the variable that can be measured. Controlled Variable: Any variable that you keep constant throughout the experiment.

Scientific Method Step 3 – Experiment 1. This is where you test your hypothesis 2. List/ Gather Materials: List materials needed to carry out the experiment. Be very specific. 3. Procedures: Follow a specific plan for the experiment. Her is where you will find or develop very specific procedures to carry out the experiment. 4. Data Collection/ Observations: After designing all experiment procedures, then you will follow those procedures exactly, gathering data about the independent variable and the dependent variables.

Drawing a Data Table Typically you can make a data table by simply labeling one column with the independent variable and another with the dependent variable. Example: Amount of water (L) Plant growth (mm) 1 2 3 .25 .50

Scientific Method In the conclusion, include: Step 4 – Analyze Data and Draw Conclusions Review the data that you collected during your experiment! Look for patterns that look similar or different. In the conclusion, include: Restate your hypothesis State whether the hypothesis was supported or not supported. Summarize the experiment Include diagrams, graphs, or tables to explain your data

What conclusion could be made from the data collected about watering plants Amount of water (L) Plant growth (mm) 1 2 3 .15 .1 .12 .14 .30 .2 .4 .3

Flowchart

Observation Observations are made by using one or more of your 5 senses to gather information about your world. Senses include: taste, sight, hearing, smell and touch Information gathered from observation is called evidence, or data. Example: The walls in Mr. Mac’s room are textured.

Observation QuaLitative Observations QuaNtitative Observations Observations you make using descriptions (words and phrases) Example: The walls in Mr. Mac’s room are white. QuaNtitative Observations Observations you make by counting or measuring (numbers or measurements) Example: There are 4 white walls in Mr. Mac’s room.

Inferences Inferences are explanations or interpretations of your observations. An inference is sometimes a guess about an object or situation in which you use your past experience. Example: Mr. Mac put the projector in the middle of the classroom.

Tracks like these are common in parts of New England and in the southwestern United States. What do you OBSERVE? What can you INFER?

Now what do you think?

Infer what happened based on your observations.