Scientific Method Borrowed from Mr. DeMoss

1. Identify Problem/Curiosity (What do you want to know about something?) The problem/curiosity is the question you want to answer. Mr. D is trying to find a better way to catch mice in his garage. His problem/curiosity can be identified this way: How can Mr. D catch the mice better in his garage?

2. Make Observations- Observations are anything you notice about the problem/curiosity. (Use your 5 senses.) Mice were seen at entrance to the storage room. Mouse droppings were seen in different parts of the garage. Mice are usually caught during the night or when no one is home during the day. Mice seem to really like Lady’s soft dog food. Data

3. State Hypothesis- A hypothesis is a likely explanation of or how to solve the problem/curiosity. (A guess at the answer.) If the mice seem to like the soft dog food, maybe adding spices (salt & sugar) to it will attract them better to the traps, and Mr. D will catch more mice. Mr. D thinks the trap with the salt will attract more mice. Data

4. Test Hypothesis-Experiments are used to test hypotheses. Three mouse traps were used in the experiment. All are the same type trap. Variables: 1 st - One trap will have salt sprinkled on the dog food. 2 nd - Another trap will have sugar sprinkled on the dog food. 3 rd - The last trap will be the controlled experiment trap, nothing will be on the dog food. The three traps will be placed in the garage in a straight row near the storage door. They will be checked for mice every morning and when Mr. D arrives home from school for 1 week (7 days).

5. Collect Data/Study Data- Data are pieces of information from the experiment. Decide what the information means. Use a data table or chart to show information.

Deceased Mice SugarSaltControlled Thursday001 Friday101 Saturday000 Sunday000 Monday010 Tuesday001 Wednesday100 TOTALS213

6. Make conclusions- After the experiment, Mr. D found his hypothesis was incorrect. The controlled trap attracted and caught more mice.