Investigation Checklist Scientific Method

Problem What do you want to know?

Clearly write the problem/purpose as a question. What will you test? State the scientific question you are trying to answer. What is a scientific question? 1. Testable 2. Measurable

Hypothesis Answer the problem/purpose to make a Prediction about the outcome you expect for this experiment.Prediction Use this format: “If (MV)… then (RV)… because (your own knowledge) …” What do you think is going to happen?

Your Hypothesis Should - Make sense to your audience Be something that can be tested Answer the Problem Be stated in present tense Example: Problem – Which fertilizer will yield the greatest number of tomatoes? Hypothesis – If three different brands of fertilizers are used then the fertilizer with the highest percentage of phosphorus will yield the greatest number of tomatoes because phosphorus helps with root growth which will make the plant grow.

Procedure/Experimental Design Your procedure should: Be understandable to your audience Be in enough detail to be repeated by someone – clear & logical Numbered, Step by Step Clearly testing the hypothesis Be present tense only ‘Do’ not ‘Did’ Test at least three conditions of the MV – i.e.- different temperatures Include three trials Include a control group if appropriate

Make a complete list of equipment and supplies you will use If your experiment requires a special set- up – draw a diagram What do you need to do this experiment?

Variables What is the Manipulated Variable?Manipulated Variable What is the Responding Variable?Responding Variable How will you Control the other variables so they do not affect your results?Control Trials – How many times will you repeat each test to create valid data?Trials How will you make sure you are really testing your idea?

The End

Prediction Based from previous knowledge or basic research. Books Internet Expert

Manipulated Variable The one variable you manipulate/change in an experiment to conduct the test. Include and Identify three levels (conditions)

Responding Variable This is the fact that responds/changes as a result of what you manipulated.

Controlled Variables Variables that don't change while conducting the experiment, and they must be the same in every trial. Identify at least two controlled variables. Identify the control group, if there is one. –The control group is the group being tested without the manipulated variable.

Trials Each test should be conducted a minimum of three times to ensure reliable and valid results