1. Scientific Method
The 7-step process to scientific investigations

2. Snapple Cap “Real Fact”#737
The human brain takes up 2% of human body weight but uses 20% of its energy.
How do we know??

3. What is the Scientific Method?
The Scientific Method is a process used to find answers to questions about the world around us.

4. Which version will we use?
We will be using a 7-step version in class with the following steps:
State the Problem
Gather information / Research
State a hypothesis.
Design an experiment
Make observations and record data.
Organize and Analyze data
State and share conclusion

5. Step 1: State the Problem
What do you want to know or explain?
Use observations you have made to write a question that addresses the problem or topic you want to investigate.
We will write our questions using the following formats:
How does __independent variable_ effect__dependent variable__? or
What is the effect of ___independent variable_ on dependent variable__?

6. Step 1: State the Problem
For example:
How does my diet effect my weight?
What is the effect of the type of shampoo on the smoothness of my hair?
Independent variable= the variable YOU can change. It is independent because I change it.
Dependent Variable= the observed result of the changed independent variable. It depends on the independent variable.

7. Step 1: State the Problem
We can easily identify the Independent Variable & Dependent Variable in a problem statement because we keep the format the same.
How does _the Independent Variable_ effect _the Dependent Variable?
- What is the effect of _the Independent Variable_ on _ the Dependent Variable?
What is the effect of the type of shampoo on the smoothness of my hair?
Independent Variable (IV)
Dependent Variable (DV)

8. Step 1: State the Problem
What is the effect of the type of shampoo on the smoothness of my hair?
Independent variable (IV)
Dependent variable (DV)
You can change the type of shampoo you use when washing your hair
You cannot change the smoothness of your hair without doing something to it… (Like changing your shampoo.)

9. Step 2: Gather Information/Research
Research your question: This lets you know if others have done this same experiment before and if so, what their data suggests.
You should research the scientific concepts related to the experiment.
If they had a widely accepted conclusion, you may want to try a different angle with your experiment or test a different variable.
For example, if you are testing to see which paper towel brand is the most absorbent, you should research absorbency, paper material, and quality control testing. This will help answer the “WHY?”

10. Step 3: State a Hypothesis
What do you think will happen?
A hypothesis is your prediction for the outcome of the experiment.
It is based on your observations and should be testable!
Your hypothesis should be written in the following format:
If…, then… because…
Example: If I come to class everyday, then I will earn a better grade because I am present to learn the material for the test.

11. Step 4: Design an Experiment to Test Your Hypothesis
Design a procedure that tests your hypothesis
You want to accept or reject your prediction
Be sure to keep the environment constant to be SURE your experiment tests your hypothesis
Ex: If you are testing your shampoo to see if it makes your hair smoother, don’t change your conditioner also, you’ll never know if the shampoo worked
Other constants for this experiment: water temperature, length of time you use shampoo, amount of shampoo
An experiment will have many constants

12. Step 5: Make Observations and Record Data
An observation is the gathering of information by using our five senses:
Sight
Smell
Hearing
Taste
Touch
There are two types of observations
Qualitative
Quantitative

13. Qualitative Observations
Describe what we observe.
“Qualit-ative” = quality (descriptive)
Use adjectives to describe something.
Example: The flower has white petals.
Example: Mr. M. has blue eyes.

14. Quantitative Observations
Measure what we observe.
“Quantit-ative” = quantity (how many)
Use numbers to measure something.
Example: The flower has seven petals.
Example: Mr. M. has two eyes.

15. Which is better? Both types of observations are valuable in science.
But quantitative observations can be precisely compared.
So scientists get creative and turn qualitative into quantitative observations.
Qualitative: The road is long. (describes)
Quantitative: The road is 5 km long. (measures)

16. Which is better?
For example, someone might say that a dead fish is smelly.
It is hard to know just how smelly the fish is.
To make this quantitative, the scientist could ask the person to rate the “smelliness” on a scale of 1-5.
This would then allow you to compare how smelly the fish is!
Banana Candle!

17. Inferences = an explanation for an observation you have made.
They are based on your past experiences and prior knowledge.
Inferences are often changed when new observations are made.
Again, observations are information we gather directly through our five senses… Inferences help explain those observations!

18. Here are some examples! Observation: The grass is wet.
Possible inferences:
It rained.
The sprinkler was on.
There is dew on the grass from the morning.
A dog urinated on the grass!
All of these inferences could possibly explain why the grass is wet. They are all based on prior experiences. We have all seen rain, sprinklers, morning dew, and dogs going to the bathroom.

19. Here are some examples!
Observation: The school fire alarm is going off.
Possible inferences:
The school is on fire.
We are having a fire drill.
A student pulled the fire alarm.
Again, these are all logical explanations for why the fire alarm is going off.

20. Why might a student be sitting there?
Last one!
Observation: A student is sitting in the main office.
Possible inferences: ?
Why might a student be sitting there?

21. Step 6: Organize and Analyze Data
Is your data reliable? (Does it make sense?)
Put your data into a chart or graph and look for any trends.
Inclination in a particular direction; tendency; general direction; as, the trend of a coast.
A fad or fashion trend

22. Step 7: State and Share Conclusions
Do your data and observations support your hypothesis?
If you cannot make a definite conclusion, you may need to try the experiment again.
This means you may either need to:
Rewrite your procedure if it was not specific enough.
Change your hypothesis based on what you found.

23. Step 7: State and Share Conclusions
Report the results of your experiment to let others know what you have learned.
This will be represented as either a lab report, oral presentation, or Science Fair display board.
Scientists may want to repeat your procedure to see if they get the same results as you. They may also tweak your experiment a little and have a slightly different focus.
Also, your report may lead to a new question which may lead to another investigation. This of course brings us right back to the first step again!

24. Scientific Method is a CYCLE!
Questions lead to experiments
Data from the experiments leads to conclusions
Conclusions lead to more questions