Writing A Proper Hypothesis Using the “If / Then” Method

Writing a Proper Hypothesis: At the conclusion of our time together, you should be able to: 1. Use an if/then statement properly 2. Write a hypothesis using this method

Design a Hypothesis

Parts of the Statement Independent Variable: The condition to be studied. It is controlled by the experimenter. Graph this along the “x” axis. ex. Water Dependent Variable: The condition affected by the independent variable. It can’t be controlled by the experimenter. Graph this along the “y” axis. ex. Plant Growth Control: The condition that is represented in a normal situation.

Steps to Writing the “If” Section of your Hypothesis 1. Start your sentence with the word “If” 2. Write down one of the variables 3. Connect statement with one of the following: is related to is affected by causes 4. Write down the other variable

Writing the “Then” section of your Hypothesis Write the word then (following the “if” section) Make a comment on the relationship between those two variables. Ex. If section: If water is related to plant growth, Ex. Then section: then the more you water plants, the bigger they will grow.

Sometimes, this is how I feel about writing if/then statements!!!

Final “If / Then” Statement If water is related to plant growth, then the more you water plants, the bigger they will grow.

Bill Gates' Rules Here is a list of 11 things that many high school and college graduates did not learn in school. In his book, Bill Gates talks about how feel-good, politically-correct teachings created a full generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept has set them up for failure in the real world. RULE 6 If you mess up, then it's not your parents' fault, (so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.)

Writing a Proper Hypothesis: Let’s see if you can: 1. Use an if/then statement properly 2. Write a hypothesis using this method

Try an “If / Then” Statement A scientist notices that the more energy an atom has the further the electrons are from the nucleus. Write an if/then statement.

We’re done… Let’s finish with a little doormat humor!!