Scientific Method Freeman

Examine the two types of cookies on the next slide. Answer the following:  Which cookie would you eat first: A or B?  List at least 2 reasons why you would eat that cookie first.

WHICH WOULD YOU PREFER? COOKIE A COOKIE B

Steps of the Scientific Method

Observation/Question

Hypothesis

Experiment

Analyze Data

Type of Data: Quantitative

Type of Data: Qualitative

Practice with Quantitative and Qualitative Data

Conclusion

Publish Data

Types of Variables: Independent Definition: what is changed by the scientist (experimenter) Explanation: – What is tested? – What is manipulated?

Types of Variables: Dependent Definition: what might be affected by the change Explanation: – What is observed? – What is measured? – The data collected during the investigation

Types of Variables: Constant Definition: something that is not changed but remains the same throughout Explanation: – Allows for a comparison of data

Let’s Practice!!!!!!

Example #1 Students of different ages were given the same jigsaw puzzle to put together. They were timed to see how long it took to finish the puzzle. Identify: – Dependent variable: – Independent variable: – Constant:

Dependent Variable: Time: How long it took the students to put it together

Independent Variable: Ages of the Students

Constant: Same Puzzle

Example #2 An investigation was done to see how different fertilizers would affect plant growth Identify: – Dependent variable: – Independent variable: – Constant:

Dependent Variable: Plant Growth

Independent Variable: Fertilizers

Constant: Same plant, same location, etc.

Example #3 An investigation was done with an electromagnetic system made from a battery and wire wrapped around a nail. Different sizes of nails were used. The number of paper clips the electromagnet could pick up was measured. Identify: – Dependent variable: – Independent variable: – Constant:

Dependent Variable: Number of paper clips picked up

Independent Variable: Size of nails

Constant: Battery, wire, type of nail, etc

Example #4 The higher the temperature of water, the faster an egg will boil. Identify: – Dependent variable: – Independent variable: – Constant:

Dependent Variable: Time to cook an egg

Independent Variable: Temperature of water

Constant: Type of egg, amount of water, pan used, etc.

Example #5 The temperature of water was measured at different depths of a pond. Identify: – Dependent variable: – Independent variable: – Constant :

Dependent Variable: Temperature

Independent Variable: Depth of water

Constants: Pond measured, thermometer, time of day