Scientific Method A Systematic Approach

Making Observations DATA TYPES Qualitative: Qualitative: –Physical characteristics, observed by 5 senses –color, odor, shape Quantitative: Quantitative: –Measurable, numeric information –how much, how little, how big, how fast, how tall

State the Problem Based on observations. Based on observations. Always in the form of a question. Always in the form of a question.

Hypothesis A tentative explanation for what has been observed – an educated guess. A tentative explanation for what has been observed – an educated guess.

Experimental Procedure A set of controlled observations that test a hypothesis. A set of controlled observations that test a hypothesis. It should be detailed, concise & in steps. It should be detailed, concise & in steps. A good experiment is repeatable. A good experiment is repeatable. Often includes pictures. Often includes pictures.

Variables Independent Variable: (x) Independent Variable: (x) –The variable that you control and change. Dependent Variable: (Y) Dependent Variable: (Y) –The variable that changes depending on changes to the independent variable. XY V1 = 5.0P1 = 2.0 V2 = 7.5P2 = 1.3 V3 = 10.0P3 = 1.0 V4 = 12.5P4 = 0.8 V5 = 15.0P5 = 0.7 V6 = 17.5P6 = 0.6 V7 = 20.0P7 = 0.5

Control “ Control ” or “ Experimental Control ” “ Control ” or “ Experimental Control ” –A set of standards that stay the same across multiple experiments used for comparison.

Graphs Can be used to analyze data Can be used to analyze data Independent variable on the X axis Independent variable on the X axis –Independent variables can be called manipulated variable. –This is the variable you can change. Dependent variable on the y axis Dependent variable on the y axis –Dependent variable can be called the responding variable. –Describes the change or reaction expected.

Conclusion A summary of the results. A summary of the results. A JUDGEMENT based on information obtained through experimentation. A JUDGEMENT based on information obtained through experimentation.

Theory vs. Scientific Law Theory Theory –An explanation of a natural phenomenon based on many observations and investigations over time. –Subject to new data, modified over time and can lead to new conclusions. –Atomic theory is an example. Scientific Law Scientific Law –A relationship in nature that is supported by MANY experiments. –Newton ’ s law of gravity is an example.