The Scientific Method A Way to Solve a Problem Mrs. MacWilliams

The “Steps” of the Scientific Method Anna Found Twenty Adorable Dogs and Cats

Step 1  Anna = Ask a Question Scientists observe the world around them, identify problems, and develop questions. Scientists observe the world around them, identify problems, and develop questions. Ex. Do violent video games give kids high blood pressure?

Step 2  Found = Form a HYPOTHESIS Hypothesis: A TESTABLE explanation for observations and data. Hypothesis: A TESTABLE explanation for observations and data. * I like to call it “An answer to your question” A good hypothesis is stated in such a way that it is clear what should be tested and measured. A good hypothesis is stated in such a way that it is clear what should be tested and measured. Ex. Playing violent video games DOES NOT increase kids blood pressure.

Step 3  Twenty = Test the hypothesis The next step scientists take is to create a procedure to conduct an experiment to test their hypothesis. The next step scientists take is to create a procedure to conduct an experiment to test their hypothesis. With your partner, think of ways you could test the game/blood pressure hypothesis.

Variables and Groups  Independent Variable- thing that you manipulate in an experiment. (What you are TESTING) Ex. Playing Video Games Ex. Playing Video Games  Dependent Variable- the response to the independent variable (What you are MEASURING) Ex. Blood Pressure changing Ex. Blood Pressure changing  Experimental group- person/thing that receives the drug/treatment/device Ex. The people playing VIOLENT video games Ex. The people playing VIOLENT video games  Control group- person/thing used as the comparison (DOES NOT receive the drug/treatment/device) Ex. The people playing NON-VIOLENT video games Ex. The people playing NON-VIOLENT video games

PLACEBO!  An inactive substance which may look like medicine but contains no medicine. In some studies, the participants in a control group may be given a placebo. Ex. People given a “sugar pill” and told it is a blood pressure medication Ex. People given a “sugar pill” and told it is a blood pressure medication

Step 4  Adorable = Analyze Data A key to experimenting is observing what happens and writing it down. A key to experimenting is observing what happens and writing it down. Scientists analyze data by creating charts, graphs, or other VISUAL forms to question and discuss. Scientists analyze data by creating charts, graphs, or other VISUAL forms to question and discuss. Ex. The blood pressure readings varied at different times.

Step 5  Dogs = Draw conclusions Scientists draw conclusions about data and determine if it agrees with the hypothesis Scientists draw conclusions about data and determine if it agrees with the hypothesis When drawing conclusions STATE WHETHER THE HYPOTHESIS IS SUPPORTED OR REJECTED! When drawing conclusions STATE WHETHER THE HYPOTHESIS IS SUPPORTED OR REJECTED! Ex. Blood pressure readings increased each time the kids played violent video games but not when playing non-violent video games. There fore, the violent video games caused their high blood pressure. HYPOTHESIS IS REJECTED.

Step 6  Cats = Communicate Results Scientists share their experiments and findings with others Scientists share their experiments and findings with others Because they share their experiments and findings, scientists can learn from each other and often use someone else’s experiences to help them with what they are studying or doing.Because they share their experiments and findings, scientists can learn from each other and often use someone else’s experiences to help them with what they are studying or doing.

Scientific Terminology  SCIENTIFIC THEORY: summarizes a observations and hypotheses that enables scientists to attempt an explanation of what was observed Example: the Big Bang Theory postulates that the universe began almost 14 billion years ago with a massive expansion event Example: the Big Bang Theory postulates that the universe began almost 14 billion years ago with a massive expansion event  SCIENTIFIC LAW: summarizes observations, but does not explain them. A law may be in the form of a mathematical formula. It describes a relationship that never changes.  Example: E = mc 2  SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLE: a concept based on scientific laws and rules that are agreed upon by the scientific community. Principles are subject to change if conditions change.  States of matter: solid, liquid, and gas

Scientists make observations. Scientists will then formulate a hypothesis based on inferences in order to explain their observations. Once the hypothesis is tested and confirmed, it becomes a theory. Only when a theory has withstood every challenge and has been proven to provide reproducible results does it become a recognized scientific law or scientific principle. There is no 'proof' or absolute 'truth' in science. The closest we get are facts.