1. The Scientific Method

2. Additional Resources Bozeman Biology Scientific Method Podcast:

3. The Method
Observe
Question
Hypothesize
Test
Conclusion

4. 1) Observation Begin by observing a problem
Observations can be of everyday life, nature, space, etc.
The physical world/universe

5. 2) Question The question/problem must be: Correct Example:
Specific
Comparative
Testable
Correct Example:
Will water leak out of a bottle with a hole in
the side when compared to a bottle with no
hole?
Incorrect Example:
Is the Mona Lisa more beautiful than The Blue
Boy?

6. Write a Comparative Question
We will be testing how quickly antacids dissolve in different water samples. Write a comparative question for the above experiment that you can test.

7. 3) Hypotheses A list of all possible outcomes in an experiment
One of these outcomes includes your own prediction of what will happen.
Example:
Water will leak out of a bottle with a hole in the side and not the bottle without a hole.
Water will not leak out a bottle with a hole in the side and not the bottle without a hole.
Water will leak out of a bottle with a hole in the side and will leak out the bottle without a hole.
Water will not leak out a bottle with a hole in the side and will leak out the bottle without a hole

8. Hypotheses Practice
Write the all hypotheses for your antacid experiment
Identify which hypothesis is your prediction

9. 3) Test Must address your question Must be repeatable
2 groups (one for each part of your comparison):
Independent variable – the 1 difference between the 2 group
The scientist intentionally adds or removes something from one group; this is recorded as data
Dependent variable – changes that occur during the experiment
This is recorded as data

10. Tests
What is the independent variable in the sample bottle experiment?
What is the dependent variable in the bottle experiment?
What is the independent variable in your antacid experiment?
What is the dependent variable you expect to record in your antacid experiment?

11. Experimental Error
The study of life can be difficult, mistakes will happen
Avoidable error
Unavoidable error

12. There are many sources of error (next to each type put whether they are avoidable or unavoidable)
Not following instructions = _______
Disease = _______
Measuring mistakes = _______
unpredictable animal behavior = _______
Death = _______
human error = _______

13. 5) Conclusion An analysis of the data collected during the experiment
Explanation of what happened
Explain the results and compare them to your hypotheses
Scientists will often publish their work to share with the world, and to make sure they get credit for their discovery

14. Mythbusters Did they do the science the correct way?
Identify: Observation, question, hypotheses, test, independent variable, dependent variable, & conclusions
What could they have done better?