Scientific Method Outline Problem/Question Research Hypothesis Experiment Analyze Results a. Quantitative b. Qualitative c. Line graphs d. Bar graphs 6. Conclusion Definitions Independent V. and levels of IV Dependent Variable Control Constants Repeated Trials Theory vs. Law

Honors Biology Scientific Method steps used to investigate (Also know as experimental design) steps used to investigate a natural occurrence

Steps of the Scientific Method 1. Purpose: What do you want to learn?

Steps of the Scientific Method 2. Research: Find out as much information as you can.

Steps of the Scientific Method 3. Formulate a Hypothesis: prediction, MUST BE TESTABLE. Written in If (IV)… then (DV)… form. Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.

Steps of the Scientific Method 4. Experiment: test your hypothesis

Steps of the Scientific Method 5. Analyze Data (results): Modify the procedure if needed. Confirm the results by retesting. Include tables, graphs, and photographs.

Two Kinds of Data: Quantitative: can be measured, counted, numbers Ex: sizes Qualitative: descriptive Ex: behaviors, colors

Quantitative/Qualitative Practice The rose was red. 2. The stem on the flower was 13cm long. 3. The potato weighed 6 grams. 4. Water freezes at zero degrees celcius. 5. The peanut’s shell was rigid.

General graphing guidelines Graphs begin from data usually given in a table. Graph should have title (includes IV and DV) Set up graph with IV on horizontal axis and DV on vertical axis Units placed under or beside the label for each axis Choose scale (evenly spaced), plot points, draw line or bars, add legend for multiple data sets

Two Types of Graphs: 1. Line Graphs: display data or information that changes continuously over time Used to plot points when 2 sets of numbers

2. Bar Graphs: best suited for comparing data Used when only 1 set of numbers

Steps of the Scientific Method 6. Conclusion: accept or reject hypothesis Make recommendations for improvements.

1 min review Name all 6 steps in order

Independent Variable “What am I changing?” The independent is purposefully changed by the experimenter. “What am I changing?” Ex. Several plants: some with fertilizer, some without

Levels of IV The different amounts or categories of IV being tested Ex. IV is Amount of fertilizer Levels of IV are none, 1 gram, 2 grams

Dependent Variable Ex. Plant height (cm) The dependent is the resulting change that is measured by the experimenter. Ex. Plant height (cm)

control =standard of comparison. Control Group control =standard of comparison. The control group is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group except for the 1 variable being tested.

Constants Factors that remains unchanged done the same to both experimental and control groups

Trials Trials refer to # of groups that are exposed to the same conditions in an experiment. (more= better) Ex. 5 plants with water, 5 plants with 1 gram, 5 with 2 grams fertilizer

Theory vs. Law Theory: when many experiments show the same conclusion, the hypothesis can become a theory ** theories are NOT proven Law: fact of nature ex: gravity