The Scientific Method How to Solve just about anything Chemistry

Scientific Method Problem Solving in a specific way. We follow a specific pattern of steps: Can you remember the steps???

Steps to the Method Identify the Problem What do you want to figure out? Question Make Observations/Gather Data Predictions Research Educated Guess Must be based on Research! Hypothesis

Determine how you will test your hypothesis Determine your variables Come up with a procedure Experiment Organize your data Perform Calculations Analyze Results

Answer your question with the data you collected Was the hypothesis supported/not supported? Draw Conclusions

Question What is the Problem? Also called the Purpose and Identify the Problem Stated in the form of a question. Research Gather information about the problem – making Observations Make predictions for your experiment, What do you think will happen? Stay focused on your Question

Hypothesis Educated guess of what could happen. A single experiment can’t prove if something is always true but it can prove that something is not always true. Must be based on your research! If/then/because Variables Independent Variable – the variable you change Dependent Variable – the variable that is dependent on the changes you make. Control – the variable that does not get tested

Independent Variable The one and only thing you will allow to change. Why is it important to have only one thing change in your experiment?? Dependent Variable It will change in relation to what is changed with the independent variable. Must be measureable, because this is what you will chart or graph. Control What you compare result to, it will not be tested on.

Constants The variables that you don’t allow to change. Things that you keep the same in every test. Materials Items you will need in your experiment Make a detailed list of everything you use Procedures Step by step instructions of what you did. It must be understood enough to be replicated by someone else. For valid results, experiment must be done many times over.

Recording Data Be very careful recording data, make sure it is true and not made up. Record things you think are important about the experiment. Use charts and tables. Record all observations that you make. Try to take down data at the same time everyday of the experiment. Why would that be important?

Analyzing Results What were your results? What were some sources of error? Create charts, graphs, and tables of your data. Perform calculations Draw Conclusions Was your question answered? Was your hypothesis supported? What are some things you could change about your experiment?

Ways that your exp. could considered invalid? Recording false information Too many changing variables Sample size is too small A biased hypothesis No control

Scientific Theory Not a guess or someone’s opinion Something that has been tested over and over with the same results and supports the hypothesis Theories are not set in stone. They can change with new information is presented

Hypothesis Exp 1Exp 2Exp 3 Scientific Theory