A Controlled Experiment Reviewing the Elements of the Scientific Method

1. Determine what is to be investigated Foul Feces Fertilizer Company Our Motto “Scat is where it’s AT!!” Your Crap is our Gold What mix of animal feces will make the best fertilizer?

2. Gather Information Helpful Sources of Information:

3. Form a Testable Hypothesis Hypothesis: If a relationship exists between Fertilizer X and the growth of tomatoes, then when Fertilizer X is applied to tomato plants they will produce more tomatoes than if Fertilizer X wasn’t applied e

Variables IndependentDependent

What are the Constant Variables?

Testing the Hypothesis Experimental Set Up Fertilizer X applied to plants Constant variables Control Set Up Fertilizer X is NOT applied to plants Constant variables Set up serves as standard for comparison

Controlled Environment

5. Collect and Record Data Qualitative Data Quantitative Data

6. Data Analysis Experimental Set Up 1000 plants 120,000 tomatoes Avg. tomatoes/plant Controlled Set Up 1000 plants 10,000 tomatoes Avg. tomatoes/plant

7. Draw conclusions/Data Interpretation Data Statistically significant Not statistically significant Accept Hypothesis Reject Hypothesis

Why Hypothesis CAN BE SUPPORTED but NOT PROVED

8. Publish Findings for Peer Review Who would be considered the “Peers”? What would be questions to ask about this study? If the data supported the hypothesis is there really any need to retest?