1. Scientific Method-

2. Inference Logical interpretation of a prior knowledge or experience Ex: Picture was taken in an area where it is cold enough to snow.
Observation Use of your senses to gather data. Ex: The snow is white The trees are covered in snow.

3. Controlled Experiment
Include two groups
1. Experimental group: one variable is changed
2. Control group: normal conditions; group used for comparison.

4. Experiments
Every experiment, no matter how unique, share certain characteristics WITH all the others. They all must have:
1. Problem or Question
2. Variables

5. Forming a Hypothesis
Def: a proposed scientific explanation for an observation
Is a statement
Is testable

6. Lab Variables
Independent variable (IV) – the factor that you are testing in the experiment. “CAUSE”
Dependent Variable (DV)– the factor that changes because of the independent variable; it’s what you measure. “EFFECT”
Constants/Controlled variables– variables that are the same for both control and experimental groups.

7. Multiple Trials Necessary to repeat an experiment at least 2 times.
If you get the same results over and over then your results are considered reliable.

8. Collecting Data Two Types of Data:
1. Quantitative – numbers (time, temperature, length, mass, etc.)
2. Qualitative – descriptions, drawings
Both types of data are important in conducting experiments

9. Displaying Data All graphs must have: GRAPH TABLE
Title
Label on each axis with name of variable
Unit on each axis marked off in equal increments
TABLE
Independent variable in first column
Dependent variable in second column
Include a descriptive title

10. Line graph
Shows change between variables.

11. Bar graph
Shows comparisons

12. Pie graph
Shows parts of a whole or percentages

13. Drawing a Conclusion
Use evidence (data) to determine if hypothesis was supported or refuted

14. Publishing/Repeating Investigations
Over time and repetition, a hypothesis may become so well supported that it becomes a theory