The Scientific Method By, Janet Hooks Syms Middle School

The 5 Steps: 1-Problem/Question 2-Hypothesis (educated guess) 3-Experiment 4-Observe & Record Data 5-Conclusion

Every time in life that we have a question or problem, we make a HYPOTHESIS (EDUCATED GUESS) as to how we might solve it. In Science, we write our HYPOTHESIS as an If-Then statement. If _________ then __________. (cause) (effect) (independent variable) (dependent variable)

FOR EXAMPLE: If _____________________ then ____________________. (cause) (effect) (independent variable) (dependent variable) If _____________________ then ____________________. (I.V.)(D.V.) If _____________________ then ____________________. (I.V.) (D.V.) If _____________________ then ____________________. (I.V.) (D.V.)

Once you have made a hypothesis, you begin an EXPERIMENT: An EXPERIMENT is just a FAIR TEST of your HYPOTHESIS.

What makes an experiment a FAIR TEST? CONSTANTS (also called control variables) These are ALL the variables that are KEPT THE SAME in the experiment to make it a FAIR TEST.

For example, in this experiment, what do you think are the CONSTANTS (control variables)? A scientist wanted to see which paper towel was more absorbent. He chose two types of paper towels: Towel F and Towel G. The scientist spilled 20 mL of grape juice in two spots on the same countertop. He wiped one spill up with one sheet of Towel F. After he wiped once through the spill, he rang the towel out over a graduated cylinder to measure how much liquid was absorbed. He did the same with Towel G. The scientist repeated this four more times with each towel. He discovered that Towel F picked up more grape juice than Towel G did.

For this same experiment, what do you think is the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE? A scientist wanted to see which paper towel was more absorbent. He chose two types of paper towels: Towel F and Towel G. The scientist spilled 20 mL of grape juice in two spots on the same countertop. He wiped one spill up with one sheet of Towel F. After he wiped once through the spill, he rang the towel out over a graduated cylinder to measure how much liquid was absorbed. He did the same with Towel G. The scientist repeated this four more times with each towel. He discovered that Towel F picked up more grape juice than Towel G did.

What is the DEPENDENT VARIABLE? A scientist wanted to see which paper towel was more absorbent. He chose two types of paper towels: Towel F and Towel G. The scientist spilled 20 mL of grape juice in two spots on the same countertop. He wiped one spill up with one sheet of Towel F. After he wiped once through the spill, he rang the towel out over a graduated cylinder to measure how much liquid was absorbed. He did the same with Towel G. The scientist repeated this four more times with each towel. He discovered that Towel F picked up more grape juice than Towel G did.

Now, let’s do a Science Experiment!!!! YAY!!!!