The Scientific Method An explanation of each step of the Scientific Method

Steps of the Scientific Method: Problem Research Hypothesis Materials Procedures Data Analysis Conclusion

Problem… The problem is the scientific question to be solved. It should be in the form of a question.

Problem (continued)… It is best expressed as an open-ended question. Example: How does light affect the reproduction of bread mold on white bread?

Research… Research is the process of collecting information from knowledgeable sources. Research helps the scientist understand the topic, express a problem, propose a hypothesis, and design a testable experiment.

Research (continued)… Do use both printed and electronic sources in the research. – Printed sources include books, journals, magazines and newspapers. – Electronic sources include online sources.

Hypothesis… The hypothesis is a testable idea about the solution to the problem. Generally speaking, the hypothesis should make a claim in the “if/then” format.

Hypothesis… Example: If bread mold reproduces more on white bread stored in dark areas than light areas, then bread mold does not need light for reproduction.

Materials… Materials should be listed in detail. All materials, supplies and tools necessary for the experiment should be included.

Materials (continued)… Example: – Magnifying lens – Permanent marker – 6 slices of white bread of the same brand – 6 plastic containers – Lamp with 60 watt light bulb

Procedures… The procedures should be written in complete sentences and numbered. Include all steps necessary to successfully repeat the experiment.

Procedures (continued)… Example (Note: This is only the beginning of the procedures): – 1. Put a white slice of bread in a plastic container. – 2. Mark each container with the sample number and light/dark. Repeat steps 1-2 for a total of 6 slices of bread. – 3. Place three containers in a dark area and three containers in a well-lit area. – 4. At approximately the same time each day, check on the bread and record observations. Repeat this for 14 days.

Data Analysis… The data collected during the experiment should be organized and labeled. Include unit labels (centimeters, minutes, number of rotations). The data must include at least one table and one graph.

Data Analysis… Use a table to organize the data. Example:

Data Analysis… Use a graph to analyze and examine data. Example:

Conclusion… The conclusion is a summary of the results and how the results relate to the hypothesis. Include reasons why the results support or contradict the hypothesis. Include the claim, evidence and reasoning parts.

Conclusion (continued)… List unwanted variables, possible sources of error and suggestions for improvement. Include future experiment ideas. Explain the real world value of the experiment.

Conclusion (continued)… Example: As stated in the hypothesis, it is believed that bread mold will reproduce more in dark areas than light areas. The experiment supports the idea that mold spores grow more in dark areas than light areas. After fourteen days, the white bread samples in dark areas had more mold spores (an average of 19.0 spores per sample) than the white bread samples in light areas (an average of 6.3 spores per sample).

Conclusion (continued)… Example (continued): It is possible that some light reached the ‘dark' containers that were placed in a dark closet. To improve this experiment, it would be better to test more samples in light-proof containers and/or wrap them in light-proof material, such as aluminum foil. Studies about mold growth can help us better understand mold and the potential value or danger of mold.