Using a Scientific Approach

One version of The Scientific Method

Scientific Method Overview The goal of any scientific method is to solve a problem or to better understand an observed event. Following a scientific method will allow you to make valid conclusions.

Observations and data may be qualitative or quantitative Observations and data may be qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative – general observation data Quantitative - numbers Classify the following as qualitative or quantitative. The solution turned blue. The desk is 144 cm in length. The density of the block is 2.70 g/cm3 The solid is shiny.

The solution turned blue. Qual. The desk is 144 cm in length. Quant The solution turned blue. Qual. The desk is 144 cm in length. Quant. The density of the block is 2.70 g/cm3 Quant. The solid is shiny. Qual.

Bailey wants to find out which frozen solid melts the fastest: soda, orange juice, or plain ice. She pours each of the three liquids into the empty sections of an ice tray, then lets them freeze overnight. The next day, she pulls the ice tray out and sets each cube on its own plate. She waits and watches as they melt, and records the time that each cube took to melt completely.

Given the scenario on the previous slide, let’s review some parts of the scientific method. What is the…… in the experiment? Work with your table partner for 3 minutes 1. Independent Variable (IV) this is also called the Manipulated Variable. 2. Dependent Variable (DV) this is also called the Responding Variable. 3. Control 4. Constant Conditions- (there are many)

1. Independent Variable (IV) or Manipulated Variable. Type of Solid 2 1. Independent Variable (IV) or Manipulated Variable. Type of Solid 2. Dependent Variable (DV) or Responding Variable. Time to Melt 3. Control. Plain Ice 4. Constant Conditions. Size of cube, volume of liquid used to make the cube, plate the cube is sitting on, location of cube on plate, location of plate in the room, temp. of hand handling the cube.

What could be a potential hypothesis for this experiment?

What could be a potential hypothesis for this experiment What could be a potential hypothesis for this experiment? The solid with the most sugar (soda) will melt the fastest. The solid with the most sugar (soda) will melt the slowest. Both are reasonable hypothesis statements.

Here is where it can get a little more interesting… Here is where it can get a little more interesting….. . Is the experiment perfect? No Why? Hint; one of the solids is carbonated….. So What? Discuss with your table partner.

You actually have 2 independent variables going on in this experiment You actually have 2 independent variables going on in this experiment. Sugar content and carbonation. A good experiment sometimes needs to be more simple in order to be valid. How could you change this experiment to only have one IV? Hmm….think about that one for HW.

Exercise your Brain. State the color of the words below Blue. Yellow Exercise your Brain! State the color of the words below Blue Yellow Brown Red Orange Black