The Scientific Method The scientific method is an organized way to solve a problem

We use the scientific method EVERY DAY! It is body of techniques for investigating phenomena, acquiring new knowledge, or correcting previous knowledge. Observation Hypothesis Procedure Results Conclusion Question

1.Recognize the problem 2.Form a hypothesis 3.Test your hypothesis 4.Analyze your data 5.Draw conclusions

Steps of the Scientific Method 1.Recognizing the Problem Formulate a question that needs to be answered, based on OBSERVATIONS, not INFERENCES. Some scientists believe humans actually possess 9-10 senses!

Steps of the Scientific Method 2. Form a Hypothesis A hypothesis is an educated guess about what the solution to the problem is. We typically use an “if…then…” statement. EDUCATED GUESS: If a meteor hits earth, then it will create a crater. I see it, how did it get there?

Steps of the Scientific Method 3. Test the Hypothesis – write a procedure. Variable: What changes in the experiment Control: What receives no variable. It is your standard for comparison. Constants: What stay the same. Ex: temp, time, plant type, etc. Plant APlant B Hypothesis: If I add Miracle Grow instead of water, then my plants will grow faster. VARIABLE CONTROL WaterMiracle Grow

Steps of the Scientific Method There are two main types of variables. Independent variable – the variable you CHANGE Dependent variable – the variable you MEASURE Plant APlant B Change: What you feed the plant Measure: Plant Growth

You want to see what brand of tape is the stickiest. You compare how well duct tape, scotch tape, and yellow tape stick to the wall. What do you change? (independent variable) What do you measure? (dependent variable)

You want to see x-box game is the most entertaining. You compare three games by playing them over the course of a weekend. What do you change? (independent variable) What do you measure? (dependent variable)

Steps of the Scientific Method 4. Analyze Your Data. The results of the experiment are recorded as data. We put these results in a data table. To determine data, observations are made with our senses and instruments. Test Tube Color Change Occurred Color Change Did Not Occur ax bx cx dx

Steps of the Scientific Method Data can also be represented on a GRAPH - Dependent variable goes on Y axis - Independent variable goes on X axis INDEPENDENT DEPENDENT

Steps of the Scientific Method 5. Draw Conclusions The data from the experiment needs to be looked at and analyzed. After this is done, you can develop a conclusion. Did your experiment prove support your hypothesis? What can make your data MORE accurate? Hint: Pete and Repeat are on a boat, Pete falls off. Who is left in the boat ?

Steps of the Scientific Method

Sometimes in science, running complete authentic experiments are difficult. Models represent things that happen too slowly, too quickly, or are too big or too small to observe directly. Models are also useful where direct observation would be too dangerous or expensive.

Lets Try Some Problems of Our Own Observation: My plants are weak and stringy looking. Question: How can I make my plants grow better?

Hypothesis: If I add Miracle Grow, then my plants will grow better! Lets Try Some Problems of Our Own

Materials: Two Potted Plants, Miracle Grow, Water, Ruler Procedure:  Grow two plants under same conditions  Water one with Miracle Grow  Measure the plants growth using a ruler Lets Try Some Problems of Our Own

Dependent Variable: What you measure. In this case we are measuring plant growth. Independent Variable: What you change. In this case, we changed what liquid the plant is receiving. Constant: What remained the same. In this case, the soil, the type of plant, the time, the temperature, etc. Lets Try Some Problems of Our Own

Control: What is the standard. This is what we make our comparisons too. In this case, a plant with water. Lets Try Some Problems of Our Own

Results: Measure what plant grew more. Record your data using a graph. Conclusion: Analyze your data. In this case, we see that Miracle Grow makes plant grow better. Lets Try Some Problems of Our Own