Scientific Method Reese

The Scientific Process Scientific process is an organized set of steps used to investigate a problem.

SCIENTIFIC METHOD Create a testable question Research Develop a hypothesis Design an experiment Test hypothesis by executing experiment Gather data and organize it in a chart and graph Create a conclusion

Choose a Problem The problem must be stated as a question and it must be testable and you must be able to gather measurable data. EX: How does the shape of a parachute affect its descending speed?

Research the Problem It is always useful to try to learn as much background information about the problem. Read (books, encyclopedia, or internet), get advice (interview a professional).

Develop a hypothesis Make a prediction about what will happen. A hypothesis is a statement, not a question AND it must be testable! IF (I do this)…THEN (this will happen)

Design an Experiment Plan how you will test your hypothesis through an experiment. An experiment includes materials and a procedure. The procedure is a series of steps that needs to be followed in the correct numerical order.

Experiment Constants- These are all the things that you will keep the same in your experiment. Control-the part of experiment you compare your results to (do not apply independent variable). Independent- This is the variable you will change in your experiment. Dependent- This is the variable that changes or is affected as a result of the changes in the manipulated variable.

Example "What is the effect of tapping the top of a can of shaken soda on the spraying of the soda when it is opened?" In our example the INDEPENDENT is tapping of the soda can. The DEPENDENT is the spraying of the soda. CONSTANTS: same brand of soda CONTROL: No tapping-original can

DATA Collection It is vital to an investigation that the scientist records any observations and data. These observations and data must be organized in a logical manner such as in tables and graphs.

CONCLUSION Scientists draw conclusions by examining the data from the experiment. The conclusion is a brief summary that ties everything together. Include whenever possible the following: Does your data support your hypothesis? Why or Why not? A brief summary of the experiment and the results. A discussion of lab errors, if any… What you might change next time in this lab

REPEAT It is very important that your experiment is reproducible and that you attain the same results every time you perform it. 5 trials for science fair!