Scientific Method Foldable

Steps to methods- Can really occur in any order State the problem Gather info Form hypothesis Test hypothesis Analyze data Draw conclusions -- Hypothesis supported? Go back to Test Hypothesis and repeat --Hypothesis NOT supported? Go back and modify Hypothesis

Procedure for foldable – Layered Look Book Step 1 You will need 4 differently colored pieces of paper Stagger them leaving about 2 cm tab exposed Fold over so that you now have 8 staggered tabs or flaps (see page xxxii in textbook To keep the book together- Long the top folded edge and about 3 cm in on each side cut two little notches about 5 mm long Open up the booklet and fold the cut notches inside Reclose the booklet and press on the folded notches

Step 2 On top flap write - SCIENTIFIC METHOD Label each of the other flaps as follows: State the Problem RESEARCH Form a hypothesis Experiment Analyze DATA Draw CONCLUSIONS Reflect on hypothesis

Step 3 – 1) State the Problem- needs to be a testable, specific question Why …..? How does…..? What is the effect of ___________ on _________? Examples: Why don’t the instruments on the missile work correctly? How do the materials on the control panels react to heat?

Step 4 – 2) Research Use reliable sources, such as professional research journals, books pamphlets Talk with experts This background information helps refine the question and form a hypothesis

Step 5 – 3) form a HYPOTHESIS A hypothesis suggests a possible, reasonable answer for the question or problem. Focus of the experiment What is being measured Conditions Expected results . Reformat as an “If...then… “ statement. “If the thickness of the tile determines the effect of heat, then a one centimeter thick tile will not allow for a temperature change.” Some call it an ”EDUCATED GUESS” DO NOT USE THAT TERM IN MY CLASSROOM

Step 6 – 4) Experiment The hypothesis can be tested by making observations and collecting data I could set up different tile thicknesses and measure how much time it takes for each thickness to heat up…. Experiments test the effect of one variable on the other. Needs controls What equipment do I need? Can it be replicated? Be a good OBSERVER! Notebook for collection of DATA

TYPES OF VARIABLES A variable is a quantity that may have more than a single value. Variables vary! (chart to be glued in) DEPENDENT (Y axis) This is the one that responds! CHANGES ACCORDING TO CHANGES OF THE INDEPENDENT VARIABLE. “Dependent depends on the independent.” INDEPENDENT VARIABLE (X axis) This is the one the experimenter manipulates! CHANGED TO TEST THE EFFECT ON THE DEPENDENT VARIABLE CONSTANT FACTORS THAT DO NOT CHANGE WHEN OTHER VARIABLES CHANGE CONTROL STANDARD BY WHICH THE TEST RESULTS CAN BE COMPARED – nothing is done to this part

Step 7 – 5) Analyze Data Charts and tables are used to organize the experimental data. Graphs are made from the data charts. Graphs show the dependent variable on the Y axis, and the independent variable on the Y axis. What happened? What did I do that had the greatest effect? Least effect? No effect? Errors noted Tentative conclusions

Step 8 – 6) Draw Conclusions What did I find out? Be brief Did the results confirm or deny my predictions? What changes could have been made? Any questions still unanswered? Is the original Hypothesis supported by the experimental findings and data? Does the experiment ALWAYS get the same results?

Step 9 – 7) Reflect on HYPOTHSIS Sometimes, hypotheses need to be revised and a new procedure developed and tested

Summary:

Now – go back and add some art work!