Conducting a Scientific Investigation

Steps of the Scientific Method State the Problem State the Problem Background Information Background Information Hypothesis Hypothesis Experiment Experiment Collect/Analyze Data Collect/Analyze Data Conclusion Conclusion

State the Problem & Background Information Problem: Problem: Always given in the form of a question Always given in the form of a question Focuses the experiment; is the reason the experiment is being conducted in the first place Focuses the experiment; is the reason the experiment is being conducted in the first place Background Information: Background Information: What is already known about the topic What is already known about the topic Given in paragraph form Given in paragraph form

Hypothesis A possible answer to the Problem A possible answer to the Problem Remember: the problem is given in the form of a question Remember: the problem is given in the form of a question The hypothesis answers the question in a way that makes sense based on the background information. The hypothesis answers the question in a way that makes sense based on the background information. Can be given as an “If…then…” statement Can be given as an “If…then…” statement Can be found to be incorrect Can be found to be incorrect

Conduct an Experiment Many experiments are “controlled”. This means that all variables are kept the same except one. Many experiments are “controlled”. This means that all variables are kept the same except one. A variable is something that can change in an experiment. Some variables you can manipulate, others you cannot. A variable is something that can change in an experiment. Some variables you can manipulate, others you cannot. Controlled experiments have two parts: an experimental set-up and a control set-up. Controlled experiments have two parts: an experimental set-up and a control set-up. An experimental set-up is the one with the variable you are testing. An experimental set-up is the one with the variable you are testing. A control set-up is the one with all variables unchanged. A control set-up is the one with all variables unchanged.

Collecting and Analyzing Data Data are the observations and measurements you make in an experiment. Data are the observations and measurements you make in an experiment. Data is usually reported in the form of a table. Data is usually reported in the form of a table. To analyze data you look for patterns or trends. Graphs of data are helpful for this. To analyze data you look for patterns or trends. Graphs of data are helpful for this.

Conclusion An answer to the original problem An answer to the original problem Based on your data and observations Based on your data and observations Conclusions are written in paragraph form with frequent references to the data collected. When you discuss your data in the conclusion you are showing that you understand and are thinking through the experiment and the results. Conclusions are written in paragraph form with frequent references to the data collected. When you discuss your data in the conclusion you are showing that you understand and are thinking through the experiment and the results.