And the Scientific Method

Open your notebook to page 1R Write the following words down making sure to skip several lines between each word… Scientific Method Problem (Question) Research Hypothesis Experiment Independent/Manipulated Variable Dependent/Responding Variable Data Conclusion

As you view “On the Phone during a Thunderstorm” Watch for each part of the scientific method Write down each step of the scientific method you see during the Mythbusters episode on page 1R

Scientific Method a way to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments.

Step 1 – Questions Must be TESTABLE NO opinions (personal preferences) Answered through experiments Must collect evidence NO opinions (personal preferences)

Step 2 – Research Can be based on prior knowledge or observations Can research information about your topic through library, internet, experts, textbooks

Step 3 - Hypothesis A possible solution to a scientific question “an educated guess” “If/then statement” If ______________, then_______

Step 4 - Experiment Variable Independent/Manipulated Variable Factor that can change in an experiment Independent/Manipulated Variable the variable that is changed to test the hypothesis Dependent/Responding Variable the factor that may change in response to the independent variable

Step 5 - Data Facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations or experiments

Step 6 - Conclusion Ask “Did the data support my hypothesis?” If it does, write a summary statement expressing your results If it did not you have two options Retest Formulate a new hypothesis to test