The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence.

We shall take a closer look at these steps and the vocabulary

Problem/Question Research/Observation Formulate a Hypothesis Experiment Collect and Analyze Data Conclusion Communicate the Results

1. Problem/Question: Ask a question or state a problem that can be solved through an experiment.

2. R RR Research: Research your topic of interest What information is already available on your topic

3. F FF Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to the problem or question. Example: If t t t the plant gets water every day, then it will grow faster.

4. Experiment: Develop and follow a procedure You are testing your hypothesis

. Collect and Analyze Results: 5. Collect and Analyze Results: What are the results of the experiment? May include tables, graphs, and photographs

6. C CC Conclusion: Explain results of the experiment Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis.

7. Communicate the Results: Present or write your results Make a poster Write report Make a presentation

1. Problem/Question 1. Problem/Question 2. Observation/Research 2. Observation/Research 3. Formulate a Hypothesis 4. Conduct an Experiment 5. Collect and Analyze Data 6. Conclusion 7. Communicate the Results

John decides to conduct an experiment to test his grandma’s bread recipe He wants to find out how much sugar is needed (Independent variable) to make the largest loaf of bread (Dependent variable)

John watches his grandmother bake bread. He asks his grandmother what makes the bread rise. She explains that yeast releases a gas ( carbon dioxide )as it feeds on sugar.

John wonders: “ Does the amount of sugar used in the recipe affect the size of the bread loaf?” “ Does the amount of sugar used in the recipe affect the size of the bread loaf?”

Be careful how you use effect and affect effect and affect Effect is usually a noun Effect is usually a noun “ The effect of sugar amounts “ The effect of sugar amounts on the rising of bread.” on the rising of bread.” Affect a verb Affect a verb “ How does sugar affect the “ How does sugar affect the rising of bread?” rising of bread?”

John researches the areas of baking and fermentation.

The hypothesis is an educated guess about the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

John comes up with a hypothesis. “ If more sugar is added, then the bread will rise higher.”

The independent variable is a factor that can be changed by the experimenter (you) Also written as IV

What is the Independent Variable in John’s experiment? The different amounts of sugar being used

John is going to use these amounts John is going to use these amounts of sugar in his experiment: of sugar in his experiment:  25 gm  50 gm  100 gm  150 gm  200 gm

The dependent variable is the factor that may change as a result of changes made in the independent variable. In this case, it would be the? Size of the loaf of bread.

In a scientific experiment, the control is the group that serves as the standard of comparison. The control group may be a “ no treatment " or an “ experimenter selected ” group.

The control group is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group, except for the independent variable being tested.

Because his grandmother always used 50gm of sugar in her recipe, John is going to use that amount as his control group.

All variables that remain the same.This way, any changes in the bread size can be due to the different amounts of sugar.

They might include: Oven used Oven used Brand of ingredients Brand of ingredients Cooking time Cooking time Type of pan used Type of pan used Air temperature and humidity where the bread was rising Air temperature and humidity where the bread was rising Oven temperature Oven temperature Age of the yeast… Age of the yeast…

John writes out his procedure for his experiment along with a materials list in his journal.

Trials means repeating the same experiment more than once John is going to test each sugar amount (Independent Variable ) 3 times.

John comes up with a table he can use to record his data. John gets all his materials together and carries out his experiment.

Amt. of Sugar (g) 123Average Size (cm 3 ) 25g g g g g Size of Bread Loaf (cm 3 ) Trials Control group

John examines his data and notices that his control (50 gm) worked the best in this experiment, but not much better than 100 gm of sugar.

John rejects his hypothesis, but decides to re-test using sugar amounts between 50 gm and 100 gm

Once again, John gathers his materials and carries out his second experiment. Here are the results.

Amt. of Sugar (g) 123Average Size (cm 3 ) Size of Bread Loaf (cm 3 ) Trials Control Control

Amt. of Sugar (g) 123Average Size (cm 3 ) 50Control

John finds that 70 gm of sugar produces the largest loaf. His hypothesis is accepted

John tells his grandmother about his findings, So next time she can make the largest loaf of bread