1. The Scientific Method A series of steps used to solve a problem
The Steps:
Observe a Problem
Research the Problem
Form a hypothesis
Develop an experiment
Draw a conclusion

2. Observe a problem
State the problem in the form of a question Ex: What is….? Why do…? How come…? What works better…?

3. Research the Problem
 Conduct Research that will help you understand more about the problem
Should gather information
from at least
three sources

4. Form a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is an educated guess about what you think the outcome of the experiment will be This will not change during the experiment Must be able to be tested

5. Develop a Controlled Experiment
 Controlled because only one variable changes
Test the hypothesis
Independent variable- what is changed or manipulated during the experiment (X-axis)
Dependent variable- outcome of the experiment, dependent variable creates the data (Y-axis)
(think D for data)
Controlled variables- Constants
Control group- group that is used for comparison-
nothing is changed
Two types of data to be collected:
Qualitative- description
Quantitative- numbers (graph and chart)

6. How to represent the data
Use a graph or Table
Types of GRAPHS:
Line
Used most often in science
Used to show change over time or distance
Help identify trends
Bar
Used less often in science
Used to show differences between categories

7. Table Each COLUMN and ROW must be labeled!
Tables are also used to represent data
What is this table missing?
Each COLUMN and ROW must be labeled!

8. Requirements for a graph:
Title- Title the graph to let the reader know what your data describe
Legend
If you have more than one data set you need a way to identify them
Y- axis title
Title your Y- axis with the dependent variable
Include units (°F)
X- axis title
Title your X- axis with the independent variable

9. Scale is a system of numbering or indexing that is used as a reference in measurement
Use a scale that allows you to cover as much of the data as possible
Scale
YES NO NO

10. When numbers are too big or too small to fit on a graph we use:
Scientific Notation 16
1,000
49,152
1,003,776
100,016,640
WOW…

11. These numbers are giant… there has to be a faster way to write them!
200,035,318,672
2,623,684,608,000
These numbers are giant… there has to be a faster way to write them!
1,000,067,088,384,000

12. Rules for Scientific Notation
Single Digit Number (1 through 9) times 10 to some power
If the absolute value of x is greater than 1 the exponent will be positive
When using scientific notation for really big numbers, your exponent will be a positive number
If the absolute value of x is less than 1 the exponent will be negative
When using scientific notation for really small numbers, you exponent will be negative.

13. Examples: REALLY BIG # REALLY Small # 3 x 10-4 grams
1,000,067,088,384,000 pennies
grams
1.0 x 1015 pennies
3 x 10-4 grams

14. Draw a Conclusion Restate hypothesis- support or reject
Use data to explain why you can support or reject hypothesis
State any errors that occurred or bias

15. Conclusions result in:
Theory- idea that has been supported, cannot be physically seen happening
(ex: big bang theory, theory of evolution)
Law- something in nature that cannot be disproved, seen in everyday life
(ex: gravity, Newton’s laws of motion)