Scientific Method Steps 1. Problem/Question- what question does the researcher want answered? The question must be testable. 2. Research- you must gather information from online sources, books, printed material, other people, and prior knowledge 3. Hypothesis- a possible explanation for observations that relate to a scientific question; must be testable; must include the words if, then, and because 4. Conduct an Experiment- complete an experiment to test hypothesis; the experiment includes procedures and can involve observations (5 senses); uses 3 variables- independent, dependent, and control 5. Record Results- record the data gathered from an experiment in a table, chart, or graph 6. Conclusion- communicate results and explain possible errors that occurred

Qualitative vs. Quantitative Qualitative- describes data and does NOT include numbers; observations (5 senses) Examples: color, texture, smell, sight, shape, taste, size Quantitative-data that includes NUMBERS Examples: height, length, width, number,

Reflection Give 3 examples of qualitative data 1. 2. 3. Give 3 examples of quantitative data

Which type of soap will produce the largest bubble?

If the ((Hand or dish soap or both) is used, then it will create a (bigger or smaller) bubble, because ___________________.

Bubble Bonanza

3 types of variables

Control Variables/Group Control Variables- variables that stay the SAME; there can be more than one Control Group- serves as a method of comparison; does NOT receive the test subject Example: measure the effect of different types liquids on plant growth. Liquids: water, diet coke, lemonade, Coca-Cola, and tea

Independent Variables Independent- variable that is CHANGED in an experiment; manipulated Ex. Measuring the effect of different liquids on plant growth: independent- type of liquid

Dependent Variables Dependent- variable that is MEASURED Ex. Measuring the effect of different liquids on plant growth: Dependent- plant growth

DRY MIX D- Dependent R-Responding Y-Y-Axis M-Manipulated I-Independent X- X-Axis

Observation vs. inference Observations are: 1. Factual 2. objective 3. gathered using 5 senses 4. free of opinion/ideas Inferences are: 1. conclusion/assumption 2. based on observations 3. subjective 4. formed from an opinion- previous knowledge Ex. 5 plants- watered with: water, Gatorade, coca-cola, diet coke, lemonade