The Scientific Method

Scientific inquiry refers to the many ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on collected evidence. While conducting a scientific inquiry, scientist use the scientific method. This includes the following:  Proposing questions—may be preceded and/or followed by observations and research  Developing a hypothesis  Designing an experiment  Collecting and interpreting data (Q 2 )  Drawing conclusions

It is usually the beginning of inquiry. It may originate from an observation, an inference, or just simple curiosity. For a controlled experiment, it should include both the independent and dependent variable, e.g.,  Does the amount of fertilizer affect (changes) the growth of bean plants?  Does the type of gasoline affect a car’s millage?  Do the number of hours spent preparing for and exam affect the student’ final grade?  What type of exercise increases your breathing rate the most?

A hypothesis is a possible solution or answer to a scientific question or inquiry.  Testable  Prediction & an explanation  Guides the experimental design It can be written as an “If…and then…statements.”  If leaf color change is related to temperature, then exposing plants to low temperatures will result in changes in leaf color.

An experiment is a way to test your hypothesis.  Materials List using bullets Include tools  Procedures Should be numbered (#) Should be short, clear and to the point Should be written for others to follow and may start with a verb Should include amounts and tools being used  Variables, control group and experimental group

Independent variable (manipulated variable)  Factor or condition being changed on purpose  Determines the outcome of the experiment Dependent variable (responding variable)  Factor or condition measured to see the effects or changes caused by the independent variable  It responds to the manipulated variable Controlled variables  Factors or conditions kept the same throughout the whole experiment for all experimental setups

A control group is the setup NOT exposed to the independent variable. The independent variable is not applied to this group because we must eliminate any other explanations for the results. An experimental group is composed of all the subjects that receive the independent variable. The results of these will be compared to the results of those of the control group to validate their accuracy.

Use data tables to organize both quantitative and qualitative data. Use graphs to visually represent data  Graphs allow you to discover patterns in the data  They can be bar, line or pie graphs Pictures  You can use picture to show qualitative data  Use them for presentation boards and oral presentations

State the purpose and the original hypothesis. Support or disprove your hypothesis using the data collected during the experiment. Explain the experimental results using information from your research section. Discuss a minimum of 3 accuracy problems. Suggest a minimum of 3 future improvements for your experiment.

Scientist share their findings with other scientist in order to verify and validate their findings. They do this through scientific journal and/or publications. In our case, we share our results with our peers through a laboratory report.

Scientific Attitudes CuriosityHonesty Open- mindedness SkepticismCreativity