Scientific Method MIQ’s Why do scientists follow the scientific method? What are the steps to the Scientific method? How can I remember the steps in order?

Problem Step 1 This is what we want an answer for.

Problem continued. This must be a question. It must include a question mark. ???

Research Step 2 Information to help answer questions. Also called background research. This can be “bookwork” (or internet) or it can be lab or field observations(real world stuff…remember that?

Research cont. Start by outlining the experiment and doing an experimental design diagram. Determine the controls and variables. Controls or constants are the things that are kept the same throughout the experiment.

Research cont. The variables are the things that you change or that change because of the experiment.

Hypothesis Step 3 This is called a predication as to how one variable will affect another. It is often written as and if…then statement.

Experiment Step 4 Here’s where the fun begins. This is the process of setting up a controlled situation to support your hypothesis.

Experiment cont. Determine what data you have to collect and design a data table to support (or refute) the hypothesis. Data should be specifically measurable. This means you observe, AND record color, height, weight, etc (###)

Experiment cont. Dependent and Independent Variables The independent variable is the one you (the experimenter) determines. It is sometimes called the manipulated variable.

Experimental variables cont. The dependent variable is what changes as the result of the experiment. Both variables should have columns in a data table.

Analysis Step 5 Graph, graph, graph What does the data show you?

Analysis cont. Did the independent variable cause the change in the dependent variable? So to simplify…analyzing results means look at the data what does it tell you?

Conclusion Using the data and the graph generated, answer the question that was originally asked. Always refer to the data and the hypothesis when writing the conclusion.

Report results in writing Include all of the above in a standard format that demonstrates a clear connection between independent and dependent variables.

Report cont. Note all possible errors and biases. What are further hypotheses or experiments to further support this one?