Ms. Moreno’s Science Class The Scientific Method Ms. Moreno’s Science Class

Scientific Investigation Method: Definition An approach taken to try to solve a problem

Information obtained directly or indirectly through the senses. Before you start: Use your skills of OBSERVATION to get ideas for a problem you want to solve. Information obtained directly or indirectly through the senses.

6 STEPS Define and ask the problem Research Report and Bibliography Make a Hypothesis Write exact procedures and conduct the Experiment Collect Data Draw a Conclusion

1. Problem Think: What do you want to find out? State the problem as a question. Make the question as specific as possible.

2. Research and Write a short report 2. Research and Write a short report *Look up current background information on your topic. Explain your topic and find out what other experiments have been done. Tell why the topic interests you. *This will help guide and lead you in the right direction in your experiment. *You must reference your sources by creating a bibliography. You should cite at least 5 sources. Use Bibme for help.

3. Hypothesis: prediction based on your research Make a statement about what you predict is the answer to the problem question. Use the “If… Then…” format. The hypothesis should explain what happens to the dependent variable as you manipulate the independent variable. Don’t worry about guessing right! If you already know the answer then it is not an investigation.

4. Experiment The experiment will test the hypothesis. What is the independent variable you are changing? What is the dependent variable that you will measure? What will be the control for comparison? What are the constants that you keep the same so the test is fair. Write a clear step-by-step procedure so that another person can repeat the same experiment exactly. All measurements must be in metrics.

5. Analyze Data Keep a log book with all your information. (You will turn this in with your show board so data can be verified.) Record all data and analysis in your log book. Do several trials to verify your results. Make charts and graphs to show the results clearly. Do you need more information? If so, you may need to continue your experiment and carefully analyze results.

6. Conclusion A conclusion has 3 parts: 1-Write a statement telling whether the data supports your hypothesis. (It is fine if it doesn’t support it since you still learned something.) 2-Restate what did happen in your experiment. 3- Expand since sometimes your conclusion may lead you into further experimentation.

Present Your Results to the class Mount all information correctly on a show board. (Boards are available at the school store and at office supply stores.) Use rubber cement, cut neatly and mount on colored background paper so it is more interesting and not just all white. Follow the example for required set up. Write a 250 word abstract summary of your experiment and attach on lower left corner. Bring show board to class on due date and be ready to present your findings to class.