1. Variables & Scientific Method

2. Variables
Unit 1 – Intro to Science

3. Variables There are 3 types of variables Independent Variable
The thing that you change
Dependent Variable
The outcome, depend on the independent variable
Controls
Things you leave the same, a standard of comparison, not all experiments have controls.

4. Variables INDEPENDENT VARIABLE DEPENDENT VARIABLE
* The dependent variable is always
located on the Y axis of a graph.
* It is usually the “Y” in a table or
equation.
* The dependent variable DEPENDS on
the independent variable.
* The dependent variable is what happens second.
* The independent variable is always
located on the X axis of a graph.
* It is usually the “X” in a table or
equation.
* The independent variable stands alone (not dependent on anything)
* The independent variable is what
happens first

5. Constants Sometimes these are confused with CONTROLS.
Constants are things that remain consistent throughout the entire experiment.
Temperature, materials, location, etc…

6. Example 1- Independent Variable
Investigating how a weight affects the length of an elastic band.
Independent Variable
The weight applied
You decided which weights to use

7. Example 1- Dependent Variable
Investigating how a weight affects the length of an elastic band.
Dependent Variable
Length is the dependent variable.
You measure the resulting length of the elastic band

8. Example 2 – Independent Variable
The longer the amount of time spent studying causes an increase in test scores
Independent Variable
Time spent studying
You decide how long/much to study for a test.

9. Example 2 – Dependent Variable
The longer the amount of time spent studying causes an increase in test scores
Dependent Variable
Test scores
This should change based on how long you study

10. Scientific Method
Unit 1 – Intro to Science

11. Science “Sci” means “to know”
We know things from facts that can be proven through data and evidence
We gather facts through the scientific method.
The Scientific Method
A pattern that scientist use to investigate or solve a specific problem.

12. Steps in the Scientific Method
Identify a problem
Research the problem
Develop a hypothesis
Design experiment (Independent and Dependent)
Test/Conduct the Experiment
Analyze the Results
Form Conclusions

13. Example 1 Identify a problem/ask a question
My teeth are not as white as I would like, what kind of toothpaste would whiten them them best?

14. Example 1 Research the Problem
Go to library and research reputable journals.
Research using internet but only trustworthy sources.
Prior knowledge or experience
Make observations

15. Example 1 Develop a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a possible explanation for a set of observations or answer to scientific question, predicts an outcome
Should be written as
“I think _______ because______.”

16. Example 1 Design an Experiment
Is a test made up of variables that can be tested or compared. Independent variable, dependent variable, and a control (sometimes)

17. Example 1 Carry out experiment Make observations during the experiment
Types of observations/data
Quantitative
Using numbers
Qualitative
Using your 5 senses (touch, smell, etc.

18. Example 1 Analyze Data Charts Graphs Tables Averages Visual Ratings
Bar Graphs – compare products, information
Line graphs - show a change over time
Pie Graphs/Charts - show a percent of a whole.

19. Example 1 Form a conclusion
We summarize what the data (tables, charts and graphs) say. Always answer these three questions:
What did I want to find out?
Did I found out what I wanted to know?
Was my hypothesis supported?