1. Scientific Method

2. Steps in the Scientific Method
Identify a Problem
Hypothesis
Experiment
Collect Data
Conclusion
Retest

3. Observations Gathered through your senses
A scientist notices something in their natural world

4. Observations
An example of an observation is that I observe that paper travels specific distances when thrown.

5. Question
- So, I form it as a question that I want to answer: “Does the shape of paper affect the distance it travels when thrown?”

6. Hypothesis A suggested solution to the problem. Must be testable
Sometimes written as If…Then… statements
Predicts an outcome

7. Hypothesis
An example of a hypothesis is that paper folded in an “airplane” shape will travel the farthest when thrown.

8. A procedure to test the hypothesis.
Experiments Need
A procedure to test the hypothesis.

9. Experiments Follow Rules
An experimenter changes only one factor and observes or measures what happens.

10. What is the Purpose of a Control?
Controls are NOT being tested
Controls are used for COMPARISON

11. Other Variables
The factor that is changed is known as the Independent variable (think - what “I” change)
The factor that is measured or observed is called the dependent variable (think – “data”)

12. Example of Controls & Variables
For example, suppose you want to figure out the if the shape of paper affects the distance it travels when thrown.
You will try different shapes and measure the distance they travel when thrown.

13. What are the Variables in Your Experiment?
Changing the shape of the paper is the independent variable
The distance the paper travels is the dependent variable
Keeping the paper and the “thrower” the same are the constants.

14. One more thing… it is best to make several trials with each independent variable.

15. Remember! To be a Valid Experiment
Two groups are required --- the control & experimental groups

16. Data Results of the experiment
May be quantitative (numbers) or qualitative (any non numerical observation)

17. Data
Must be organized
Can be organized into charts, tables, or graphs

18. Distance Paper Traveled
Paper Shapes
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Shape 1
Wadded up ball (round)
Shape 2
Paper airplane
Shape 3
Flat (no wadding or folding)

19. Conclusion
The answer to the hypothesis based on the data obtained from the experiment

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

21. Steps in the Scientific Method
Identify a Problem
Hypothesis
Experiment
Collect Data
Conclusion
Retest

22. Scientific Method moo Silly sentence….. I Hope Every Cow Can
1)”I”dentify a Problem
2) Form a “H”ypothesis about the problem (if…then…)
3) Design an “E”xperiment to test the hypothesis
4) “C”ollect data
5) Form a “C”onclusion
6) “R”etest
Silly sentence…..
I Hope Every Cow Can
Roller-skate