Scientific Method Notes

Definition The scientific method is a series of steps used to outline a way of attacking a problem.

1. Question Observe and wonder about a science topic. Use your senses to take note of facts, and take note of what you already know.

1. Question A problem is a short question where you mention the variable.

1. Question A variable is any factor that can have more than one value in the experiment. There are two kinds: dependent and independent.

1. Question The dependent variable is the factor you measure or observe during an experiment; it changes AS A RESULT of you changing the independent variable.

1. Question The independent variable is the factor you want to test; YOU change it during the experiment to see how it affects a dependent variable.

1. Question Everything else is a “constant” - ALL the other factors in an experiment that are kept the same each time you perform a test.

2. Make a Hypothesis This is an explanation or answer to the question that can be tested with a scientific investigation to describe what will happen and why it will happen.

2. Make a Hypothesis Make a prediction, which is a forecast of what will happen next in a sequence of events. It does not explain WHY.

2. Make a Hypothesis The hypothesis must be testable and able to be disproved, not necessarily proved.

Example (don’t need to write down) Hypothesis A regulation bat will hit a baseball a greater distance than a corked bat because a corked bat has less mass.

Example (don’t need to write down) Independent Variable type of baseball bat (regulation or corked)

Example (don’t need to write down) Dependent Variable distance the baseball travels

Example (don’t need to write down) Constants same brand and model of baseball bat same batting tee same batting device

3. Conduct an Experiment This tests the hypothesis. Change only one variable each time. All other factors should be held constant (kept the same).

4. Collect Data A qualitative measurement uses words to describe. A quantitative measurement uses numbers to describe.

4. Collect Data Organize the data NEATLY in tables and graphs.

4. Collect Data A data table displays information in rows and columns so that it is easier to read and understand.

4. Collect Data A graph puts the independent variable on the x-axis and the dependent variable on the y-axis.

4. Collect Data A graph with a linear relationship between variables results in a straight line.

4. Collect Data A graph with a nonlinear relationship between variables results in a curved line.

5. Analyze Information Compare your results to your original hypothesis and prediction.

6. Report Results Answer your original question, and use your data to back it up.

Steps in the Scientific Method Question Make a Hypothesis Conduct an Experiment Collect Data Analyze Information Report Results

Steps in the Scientific Method

Draw and color a comic strip on Notebook p Draw and color a comic strip on Notebook p. 14 with 6 boxes that illustrate each step of the Scientific Method. Turn the page sideways and set it up as you see below. 1. Question 2. Make a Hypothesis 3. Conduct an Experiment 4. Collect Data 5. Analyze Information 6. Report Results