1.2 Using a Scientific Approach

1. Make an Observation information obtained by using your five senses. Hearing, seeing, smelling, touching, or tasting. We don’t often taste in science. EXAMPLE – I see that my flashlight is not working.

2. Ask a Question using what you already know and what you want to find out about your observations you can develop a question you’ll answer. EXAMPLE – Does it need new batteries? EXAMPLE – Does it need new batteries?

3. Develop a Hypothesis a reasonable and TESTABLE explanation for why something is happening. Will usually contain what you want the outcome to be. We will practice developing “If… Then…” statements. EXAMPLE – If I change the batteries then the flashlight will

4. Test Hypothesis with a Controlled Experiment an experiment where only one variable is changed at a time. All other variables are controlled or kept constant. A factor that can change in an experiment is called a variable.

4. Test Hypothesis with a Controlled Experiment a. manipulated/independent variable – what the scientists changes, it will cause a change in responding variable. EXAMPLE batteries

4. Test Hypothesis with a Controlled Experiment b. responding/dependent variable – the outcome in the end, what is measured, this variable changes in response to the manipulated variable. EXAMPLE flashlight working

5. Collect, Analyze, and Evaluate Data gather results, see what data is telling you. a. qualitative data –opinions or descriptions, written words. EXAMPLE The light is bright. b. quantitative data – numbers and measurements. EXAMPLE – the light blinked 3 times

6. Draw a Conclusion based on your data you can make a statement about your results; you MUST include data that supports your statement. a. Hypothesis is supported – your data supports your hypothesis; repeat tests to get more evidence/support. EXAMPLE The light shines after I changed the batteries.

6. Draw a Conclusion b. Hypothesis is rejected – your data does not support your hypothesis, revise your question, hypothesis, and repeat steps EXAMPLE The flashlight doesn’t work after the batteries were changed. *** Develop NEW question: Is it the bulb? ***Develop NEW hypothesis: If I change the bulb, then the flashlight will work. ***Retest with NEW experiment.

7. Develop a Theory a well-tested explanation for observations and results collected from MANY experiments. Only if your hypothesis is supported by multiple tests and lots of evidence can a theory be made.