The Scientific Method A quick overview...

The scientific method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence. There can be some variation, but scientists generally agree that the process consists of the following:

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

Steps of the Scientific Method Problem/Question 1. Problem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation.

Observation/Research 2. Observation/Research: Make observations and research your topic of interest. Steps of the Scientific Method

Formulate a Hypothesis 3. Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to the problem or question. Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase. Steps of the Scientific Method

Experiment 4. Experiment: Develop and follow a procedure. Include a detailed materials list. The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable). Steps of the Scientific Method

Collect and Analyse Results 5. Collect and Analyse Results: Modify the procedure if needed. Confirm the results by retesting. Include tables, graphs, and photographs. Steps of the Scientific Method

Conclusion 6. Conclusion: Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis. Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure. Steps of the Scientific Method

Communicate the Results 7. Communicate the Results: Be prepared to present the project to an audience. Expect questions from the audience. Steps of the Scientific Method

Some things to consider...

Fair tests Your experiment (and the write up ) needs to be completed in such a way that anyone from anywhere can repeat the process and get similar results. Repeat trials

Variables A variable is any factor in an experiment which can change and which can affect the results Independent – the variable you change ON PURPOSE Dependent – the variable you MEASURE Controlled – all the things you have to keep the same to make the experiment fair.

Lets design an experiment!

STEP 1: QUESTION Will Miss Simpson’s Miracle Mixture actually help plants grow better?

STEP 2: Research/Observe You research online and find out that plants grow much bigger with at least 10% nitrogen in the soil. You observe that Miss Simpson’s Miracle Mixture contains 10% nitrogen.

Step 3: HYPOTHESIS “If Miss Simpson’s Miracle Mixture is added to plants, then the plant size will increase”

Step 4: Experiment You set up a number (3) of pots with no mixture, and the same number of pots with the Miracle Mixture. Determine the : independent, dependent & controlled variables for the experiment.

No miracle mixture Miracle mixture

Step 5: Collect Results How are you going to record your results? Video camera, measurements – height/weight? How often? Averages? How are you going to graph your results?

No miracle mixture Miracle mixture

Step 6: Conclusion Summarise your results (data) Determine whether they support or refute your hypothesis.

Step 7: Communicate your findings Write a report or publish your findings online.

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

Now we start using PINK PIGS & BLUE CATS