1. It’s more of a guideline….
Scientific Method
It’s more of a
guideline….

2. Controlled Experiments
Controlled experiments are used to investigate one factor at a time
The scientific method is used with controlled experiments in order to gain knowledge.

3. Question
WHY?

4. Research
What do we already know?

5. Hypothesis
According to The Medical Dicitonary, a hypothesis is “a tentative explanation that accounts for a set of facts and can be tested by further investigation.”
An explanation that gives a reason behind some facts but can be tested

6. Hypothesis vs. Theory vs. Law
Hypothesis - a statement that uses a few observations - an idea based on observations without experimental evidence
Theory - uses many observations and has loads of experimental evidence - can be applied to unrelated facts and new relationships - flexible enough to be modified if new data/evidence introduced
Law - stands the test of time, often without change - experimentally confirmed over and over - can create true predictions for different situations - has uniformity and is universal
Source:

7. Procedure A “recipe” for your experiment
In your procedure you can only manipulate ONE VARIABLE at a time.
You should also test what happens under normal circumstances - CONTROL

8. Data
Observations
Charts
Graphs
Tables
Numbers
Pictures
Words

9. Analysis & Conclusion What does your data mean?
Was your hypothesis correct?
What evidence shows the reason why your hypothesis was correct or incorrect?
What mistakes did you make?
What other questions do you have?

10. Observations and Inferences
An observation is noticed by one’s senses
An inference is a reasonable conclusion or explanation for one’s observation
An inference may be a logical assumption but might not always be correct.
Example:
OBSERVATION: Reptiles are cold-blooded.
INFERENCE: Dinosaurs were cold-blooded.

11. The “New” Scientific Method
Asking Questions
Developing and Using Models
Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
Analyzing and Interpreting Data
Using Math and Computational Thinking
Constructing Explanations
Engaging in Argument from Evidence
Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

12. What does this actually look like?
Published by Shawn Stasko

13. So let’s check your data!
GUIDELINES
Independent Variable to the left
Dependent Variable to the right
Make sure it has a title & column headings
Make sure units are displayed

14. Answer to Daily Review 45°F 24 min 55°F 21 min 60°F 22 min 70°F 19 min
Temperature
Time to Melt
45°F
24 min
55°F
21 min
60°F
22 min
70°F
19 min
75°F
14 min
80°F
12 min
85°F
8 min
90°F
5 min

15. Variables - Independent vs. Dependent
Variable – a factor that changes during the course of the experiment
What were the variables in the Daily Review?
Temperature and time
Independent Variable – Manipulated variable
This variable is changed by you (the experimenter)
What was the independent variable in the Daily Review?
Temperature
Dependent Variable – Responding variable
This variable responds to what you change
What was the dependent variable in the Daily Review?
Time

16. Yay graphing! Everyone loves graphing!! Why don’t you look excited?
Let’s Graph This!!
Yay graphing! Everyone loves graphing!!
Seriously.
Why don’t you look excited?

17. Step 1. Graph your data table
You have 5 minutes to graph your data.
THIS MUST BE A LINE GRAPH.
Good luck!
(PS – the time started when we switched to this slide…get going!!)

18. Step 2. Did your graph look like this?

19. Remember DRY MIX when graphing

20. Remember DRY MIX when graphing
Dependent Responding Y axis Manipulated Independent X axis

21. DRY MIX

22. Identify the Dependent and Independent Variables

23. Identify the Dependent and Independent Variables

24. The Scientific Method Project
Time to practice what you have learned