1. Scientific Method

2. Steps in the Scientific Method
Problem/Question
Observation/Research
Hypothesis
Experiment
Collect & Analyze Data
Conclusion
Retest/Apply the results

3. Steps in the Scientific Method
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4. Problem/Question
All good scientific inquiry begins with a problem or a question about a topic.
This problem can be solved through experimentation.

5. Observations Gathered through your senses
A scientist notices something in their natural world
Often called research (learning about problem)

6. Observations
An example of an observation might be noticing that many salamanders near a pond have curved, not straight, tails

7. Hypothesis A possible solution to the problem. Must be testable
Often written as If…Then… statements
Based on relationship between independent and dependant variables.

8. Hypothesis
An example of a hypothesis might be: The salamanders have curved tails due to a pollutant in the moist soil where they live.

9. Experiment A materials list is created
A detailed procedure is developed and followed.
Data is collected and measured

10. Analysis Analyze your data and results, confirm by retesting.
Modify the procedure if needed.

11. Conclusion
Conclusion: includes a statement that either accepts or rejects the hypothesis.
As conclusion is written, include any data tables, charts, graphs and photographs

12. Conclusion
It is usually the answer to the hypothesis based on the data obtained from the experiment
If needed apply the answer to solve the problem.

13. Scientific Experiments Follow Rules
An experimenter changes one factor and observes or measures what happens.

14. Important vocabulary

15. A Variable
Variable – factor in the experiment that is being changed, watched, or manipulated. 3 types

16. The Control Variable
control variables – factors that are kept constant so that they do not effect the outcome.
NOT tested
Are use for comparison

17. Other Variables
The factor that is changed or manipulated is known as the independent variable. (iv)
The factor that is measured or observed is called the dependent variable. (it changes because of iv)

18. Example of Controls & Variables
For example, suppose you want to figure out the fastest route to walk home from school.
You will try several different routes and time how long it takes you to get home by each one.
Since you are only interested in finding a route that is fastest for you, you will do the walking yourself.

19. What are the Variables in Your Experiment?
Varying the route is the independent variable
The time it takes is the dependent variable
Keeping the same walker throughout makes the walker a control variable.

20. It is best to make several trials with each independent variable.

21. A valid experiment will only have ONE variable tested!
Is repeatable by anyone
Has detailed step by step procedure
Has precise materials list

22. Data Results of the experiment
May be quantitative (numbers) or qualitative other types
Must be organized
into charts, tables, or graphs

23. In order to verify the results, experiments must be retested.