1. Scientific Inquiry and bottle flipping
8th grade science

2. Big Bang...

3. What is Scientific Method?
• the diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence they gather

4. How do we start?
•Scientific inquiry begins with a problem or question about an observation

5. 1. Ask a Scientific Question (State the Problem)
Form a question about a specific event or reaction; often this question is based on observations
***Remember it has to be testable

6. 2. Collect Information
Research all aspects of the problem— observations, research, etc.

7. 3. Form a hypothesis
A hypothesis is a prediction that can be tested, written in an
“if … (iv) , then (dv) because” format.
(remember that this is a suggested solution to the problem

8. 4. Design an Experiment
Devise a way to test your hypothesis—write a step-by-step procedure
Create a controlled experiment: which means that only 1 variable is manipulated or changed
***VARIABLE: factor that changes

9. A controlled experiment MUST have 2 groups:
1. CONTROL GROUP: all conditions of a “normal” situation (nothing is tested)
2. EXPERIMENTAL GROUP: only the condition that you are testing for is changed
( 1 thing is changed)

10. Establish the variables
1. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE:
(manipulating variable) (you change this)
2. DEPENDENT VARIABLE:
(responding variable) (changes because of IV)

11. Constants
•Constants: the factors or conditions that must be KEPT THE SAME in the experiment

12. 5. Collect & Analyze Data
•Data are the facts, figures and other evidence gathered through observation

13. 6. Draw Conclusions
•Conclusion = summary of what you’ve learned from an experiment.
(Was your hypothesis right? Was it wrong? What would you do differently?