1. The Scientific Method Review

2. LT- Today, I can apply my understanding of the relationship between activity levels , systems of the body, and cellular respiration by answering a question using the steps of the scientific method.
What activities increase the demand for more ATP in the body and how does this affect how systems work together to meet these demands? Do Now: In order to perform a valid experiment, what are some of the things we need to consider?

3. What is the Scientific Method?
The scientific method is a series of steps used in order to answer a testable question
Using this method keeps our experiments organized and allows for them to be retested by another person

4. Steps of the Scientific Method
1. Choose a question or problem to be answered
Identify your variables
2. Conduct background research
3. Create your hypothesis
4. Create your procedure
5. Conduct or perform your experiment
6. Analyze your data
7. Draw conclusions

5. 1. Choosing a Question/Problem
Question must be testable – meaning you need to collect data to answer your question
Format for writing a testable question must show a relationship between your variables
Example: How does the IV affect the DV?
What effect does the IV have on the DV?

6. Identifying Your Variable
Independent Variable (IV)
The variable YOU are changing
Dependent Variable (DV)
The variable you are MEASURING
Control Variables (CV)
The variables that STAY THE SAME
The only variable that changes should be your independent variable so that your data is accurate

7. 2. Conduct Background Research
Background research is used when creating your hypothesis
You should know enough about your topic to make an educated prediction about what will happen

8. 3. Creating Your Hypothesis
A hypothesis is not really an educated guess – it is an educated prediction!
Use your background research to predict what you can expect from your experiment
*You must use the information from your research as an explanation*
All hypotheses MUST include the word BECAUSE!!

9. 4. Create Your Procedure
A procedure is the specific steps you follow to complete an experiment
It should be written in a way that another person can perform the EXACT same experiment
You should also have a complete list of all materials needed to perform your experiment

10. In Your Experimental Design
A. Trials:
More trials you do the more reliable or accurate your data will be
There should be a minimum/at least 3 trials
B. Sample Size:
The number of test subjects you are using in your experiment
Example: 15 volunteers, 5 plants, 10 eggs, etc.

11. Experimental vs Control Group
C. Experimental Group:
The group that is receiving the change of the independent variable
Example: If you are running an experiment to test how different exercises affects your heart rate – the experimental group would be the individuals performing the different exercises (because you are changing the independent variable in that group – you are changing the type of exercises being done)
D. Control Group:
The group that does not receive the change in the independent variable
Example: If you are running an experiment to test how different exercises affects your heart rate – the control group would be the individuals heart rate when they perform no exercises
The control group serves as a base so that all data can be compared to it

12. 5. Conduct Experiment
Be sure to leave enough time to collect all your data and run MULTIPLE trials
Collect your data on an organized data table
Store all your data in a safe place so that you do not lose it

13. 6. Analyze Your Data
In the previous step you have already collected your raw data (measurements/observations you recorded in your data table)
Now you must analyze that raw data to look for trends or patterns that you notice
Your analysis section should have 2 parts: a graphing part and a written part

14. 7. Drawing A Conclusion
Like a conclusion in an essay, this section is used to summarize big ideas and restate what you learned from your experiment
Your conclusion should include/discuss:
A statement repeating the purpose of your experiment
If your hypothesis was correct or incorrect
The major trends your saw in your data (using specific evidence from your data/graphs)
Any limitations you experienced while collecting data (what issues or problems did you face that might have affected your data)
Suggestions for the future – what would make your experiment run smoother and/or what future questions/experiments would you want to test to further your understanding of this topic

15. Applying the Scientific Method…
Daphnia are freshwater organisms sometimes referred to as “water fleas.” You design an experiment to test the effects of temperature on the size of the daphnia population.
State a hypothesis to be tested (you do not have to include a “because” for this scenario)
Identify the independent variable in the experiment
Identify the dependent variable in the experiment
Describe how the control group will be treated differently from the experimental group
Create a basic experimental design that would test your hypothesis