1. Steps of
the
Scientific Method

2. The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence.

3. Observation before Experiment/Research Formulate a Hypothesis
Scientific Method
Problem Statement
Observation before Experiment/Research
Formulate a Hypothesis
Experiment
Observation
Conclusion

4. Steps of the Scientific Method
Problem Statement /Question:
Uses critical thinking
Look at facts/Research
Looks for patterns

5. Steps of the Scientific Method
2. Research/Observation before Experiment:
BE OBJECTIVE!
Find out facts
Look for patterns

6. Observation vs. Inference
What do you think these words mean?
Observations-
Inferences-

7. Observation vs Inference

8. Observations?
Inferences?

9. Observations?
Inferences?

10. Observations?
Inferences?

13. Let’s see if you’ve got it…
Inference vs. Observation worksheet O I

14. Do you remember the next step?

15. Steps of the Scientific Method
3. Formulate a Hypothesis: “an educated guess”
Predict a possible answer to the problem or question
Testable prediction
Explains how/why something works/occurs
Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.

16. Identifying a hypothesisB A C

17. Steps of the Scientific Method
4. Experiment: An organized procedure for testing a hypothesis.
Include a detailed materials list.
Step by step procedure

18. The procedure has TWO specified “groups”

19. Before we begin explaining- let’s get our brains ready
Before we begin explaining- let’s get our brains ready. What do these words mean?
Controlled
Experimental
Variable
Constant
Dependent
Independent

20. Variables: What can “Vary”
There are two kinds of variables
Experimental Variable:
The variable you are testing
Ex- the fertilizer
Controlled Variables (aka- Constants)
All the things you will keep the same for everyone in the experiment
Ex- how much you water the plants, how much sunlight they get…

21. Why do you need Constants/Controlled Variables?
Controlled Variables: (CONSTANTS)
-you must control any other variables that may affect your results
Ex- if you are testing a fertilizer, you must keep the temp, precip, acidity of soil, etc. constant

22. Control Group Standard for comparison Does NOT contain the VARIABLE
To compare the results of your variable group
Does NOT contain the VARIABLE
What you are testing
Contains all the CONSTANTS
What you are keeping the same
Shows that your results are related to the condition being tested.
To make sure your results are actually because of your variable

23. Experimental (Test) Group
The group where you actually test the effect of your variable.
Contains the experimental variable
Remember: Variables are things that can CHANGE (vary) in an experiment
There are two variables in every experiment…

24. Independent Variable
The independent, or manipulated variable, is a factor that’s intentionally varied by the experimenter.
Plotted on the X axis of a graph
“Causes” your results

25. Dependent Variable Plot on the Y axis of a graph Is your results
A. Depends on (will change because of) your independent variable
Plot on the Y axis of a graph
Is your results

26. Example
If plant growth and fertilizer are related, then when given fertilizer, plants will grow taller.
What is the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE?
fertilizer
What is the DEPENDENT VARIABLE?
Plant growth

27. Hypotheses relate to the variables…
The hypothesis is an educated guess about the cause and effect relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
-The effect of the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE on the DEPENDENT VARIABLE

28. A good Experimental Set up
Can only test ONE variable (per experimental group)
Keeps all controlled variables constant between the groups

29. Steps of the Scientific Method
5. Observation:
Results of the experiment
Recorded as data tables, charts, graphs
Two kinds…

30. Kinds of data
Quantitative Data: Can be measured. Usually includes a number.
Ex: 6 feet tall, 20 cm long
“Quantity”
Qualitative Data: Descriptions that can be observed but not measured
Ex: purple, smelly, sharp
“Quality”

31. Do not make assumptions, interpretations or opinions!
Observations cont
Do not make assumptions, interpretations or opinions!
Should record on what you actually see or measure, etc!

32. Steps of the Scientific Method
6. Conclusion: contains 3 items
Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis.
Summary of experimental results
Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure.

33. Hierarchy of Scientific Ideas
Problem Statement
Hypothesis
Theory
Scientific Law
What is the difference? How does each relate to the one below it?

34. Problem Statement and Hypothesis
The problem statement is made before you really figure out how to test it. Often contains a question or words like “I wonder” ex “Why is the sky blue?”
The hypothesis is a prediction that is testable and often stated in “if…then” statements.

35. Theory and Law
A theory is a hypothesis which has survived repeated testing. It tells you “why or how”
A scientific law is a “rule of nature”. It is often proven mathematically and cannot be disproven.
tells you “what”
Theories can be changed, laws cannot!
Theories can serve to explain laws
Ex- this ball will fall with an acceleration of 9.8 m/s2 is the law of acceleration due to gravity. If you want to know why the ball falls, you would use a theory.