The Scientific Method

What is the Scientific Method? It is a series of steps that help to answer some of life’s questions.

The 5 Steps of the Scientific Method: 1.Question 2.Hypothesis 3.Experiment 4.Collect Data 5.Conclusion

Step 1: Question What it is that you are trying to find out about. Research: Information about the ?

Example Question: Does Brand A or Brand B laundry detergent work best for grass stains?

Step 2: Hypothesis An educated guess Put it in an “If….then…..because….” statement

Example Hypothesis: If I test Brand A versus Brand B detergent in getting out grass stains, then I believe Brand A detergent will work the best because it costs more, and when you pay more you expect a better product.

Step 3: Experiment Variables –Independent (test) –Dependent –Constants Materials Procedure

Variables: anything that can change the results of an experiment Test Variable (independent variable): –the variable that will be changed by the person Dependent Variable: –The variable that changes as a result of the independent variable Constant Variables: –the variables that will remain the same

What is the Test Variable?

Type of Detergent (Brand A vs. Brand B)

Constant Variables: amount of detergent time in washer type of stain etc.

Materials: Everything that you will need to do the experiment. What materials would you need to test this experiment?

Materials: washer detergent A and B grass stain measuring cup etc.

Procedure: Step by step how to do the experiment. The “Instructions” to do the experiment.

Example Procedure: 1. Purchase Brand A and Brand B laundry detergent 2. Put grass stain on 2 white clothes 3. Etc.

Step 4: Collect Data Table – Organizes data, makes it easy to read Graph – Shows data in a visual way

Table:

Graph:

Step 5: Conclusion Summarizes the results. Was your hypothesis correct or incorrect. Why? Alternate hypothesis

Conclusion: After looking at the results of the experiment I have found that Brand B removed a larger percentage of the grass stain. Therefore my hypothesis is incorrect. I believe it was incorrect because I went under the presumption that items that cost more are better products. I have found that testing products can pay off.

Acceptance of Ideas After conclusion, ideas are reviewed and tested by scientific community –Peer Review “Good idea” or “needs more work” Filters out results, must be valid to be published –Publications (journals, meetings, books, etc.) –After acceptance, idea becomes theory May change due to conflicting information

Alternate Hypothesis: If I test Brand B with lemon scent versus Brand B without lemon scent then I believe Brand B with lemon scent will work better because lemon juice is acidic and many acids are good cleaners.