The Scientific Method

The Scientific Method Way to solve a problem Step by step plan Tries to answer a question

The Scientific Method The Scientific Method has 6 steps: Problem Research Hypothesis Experiment Data Conclusion

Step 1 - Problem/Question You ask a question about what you observe.

Step 2 - Research Gather information about the problem through observations, books, internet, or past experience. What do you know?

Step 3 - Hypothesis Prediction that can be tested by an experiment Answers the problem/question May be written in the form If …. then …..

Good Hypothesis Both an independent and dependent variable Declarative statement - NO I’s or We’s or My or Our

Step 4 - Experiment way to test the hypothesis and collect data under controlled conditions The outcome must be measurable

Independent Variable: - factor that is TESTED - what is DIFFERENT between the groups - what CHANGES between each set-up THERE IS ONLY ONE INDEPENDENT VARIABLE IN AN EXPERIMENT!!

Dependent variable: what is MEASURED during the experiment - affected by the independent variable

Constant Variables: - variables that are kept the SAME - makes the experiment FAIR - there are MANY in an experiment

Experimental Group: - the group that you are testing - group that gets the factor you are testing - group that gets the independent variable

Control Group: - group that DOES NOT get the factor you are testing - group that you check your results against - used to compare results

Good Experiments large sample size one factor tested (one independent variable) quantitative or measurable results Large sample size Repeated for accuracy

Step 5 - Observations/Data Record any observations and data

Observations Qualitative Observation qualities (observable but not measurable) no numbers examples: color, shape, smell, texture

Observations Quantitative Observations quantities (observable AND measurable) numbers examples: length, volume, temperature

Graphs Line Graph describes how one factor affects a second factor Continuous data

Graphs Circle Graph compares percentages Compares part of a whole

Graphs Column or Bar Graph used for comparison discreet data points

Step 6 Conclusion accept or reject your hypothesis Support your answer with the data Publish your results