Scientific Method Chapter 1, pgs 12-18

Notes 1. Scientific Method- a series of steps used to solve problems 2. Observation- information gathered with your senses Sight, sound, touch, taste, & smell 3. Inference- a conclusion based on an observation Remember the “shoebox activity”

Observation & Inference The temperature of the glass of water near the window is warmer than the one on the shelf The sun must have been shining on the water OBSERVATION INFERENCE

Observation & Inference The bell rang It is dismissal time Observation Inference

Observation & Inference The clouds are very dark It is going to rain Observation Inferernce

4. Hypothesis- a prediction or statement that can be tested 5. Independent Variable- the experimental treatment This is the factor that is different from the other group 6. Dependent Variable- what is being measured or observed.

7. Constants- factors that STAY THE SAME in both parts of an experiment 8. Control- part of the experiment that does NOT receive the experimental treatment It is the group to which the experimental group is compared!

Steps of the Scientific Method Ask a Question or State a Problem Observe & Infer Hypothesis Experiment Analyze Data (Results) Conclusion Share Results

Scientific Method- a series of steps used to solve problems   Ask a Question or Recognize the Problem- decide what you want to understand by performing an experiment

Hypothesis- a prediction or statement that can be tested Observe & Infer- gather information using your senses and make conclusions bases on what you observed. Hypothesis- a prediction or statement that can be tested It is based on observations, research and prior knowledge. Often written as a “If …, then…” statement.

Dependent Variable- the factor or part that is being measured or observed Independent Variable- the experimental treatment What is being changed during the experiment The factor that is different from the control group.

Constants- factors or parts of the experiment that stay the same in all parts of the experiment. Control- part of the experiment that does NOT receive the experimental treatment (independent variable) This is used to make comparisons and to see how the experimental treatment works.

Analyze the Data- data can be numeric, such as measurements, or observations and descriptions. Draw Conclusions- make a statement based on the data collected and state whether or not the data supports or rejects the hypothesis.