1. Methods of Scientists ISN page 5

2. Experimental Design Observe Question/Problem Research
Hypothesize (If/Then)
Experiment
Analyze
Conclude
HAVE STUDENTS WRITE DOWN EACH OF THESE IN THEIR OWN WORDS.

3. Only Steve Gathered Few Trophies Racing Slow Rabbits

4. 2. State the Problem/Question
1. Observe
2. State the Problem/Question
- What do you want to know?

5. 3. Gather Information 4. Form a Hypothesis Research the problem
It should also be an “if/then” statement
For example: If leaf color change (dependent variable) is related to temperature, (independent variable) then exposing plants to cooler temperatures will cause leaves to change color.

6. 6. Record and Analyze Data
5. Test the Hypothesis
At least 3 times
More trials=better data
6. Record and Analyze Data
Create a chart/graph to organize data
Look for a trend

8. 7. State the Conclusion 8. Repeat the Work
Review any problems (bias) that you may have had
The conclusion should be stated as “results support” or “fail to support”
8. Repeat the Work
Many trials are needed before a hypothesis can be accepted

9. Variables and Controls
Variable- anything that changes
Independent Variable- the factor that the experimenter (you) changes. It is unaffected by any other variable.
Dependent Variable- variable that changes because the independent variable changed
Control- the factor in the experiment that does not change (you won’t always have this)

10. Hypothesis Hypothesis:
A suggested explanation for an observation that is followed with experimentation
A successfully tested hypothesis can become a scientific theory

11. Question to answer on your own:
Brooke designs an experiment to determine if
temperature has an effect on the amount of sugar
that can be discovered in a glass of tea. Her
materials for conducting her experiment include
beakers, tea bags, sugar, water, and stirring rods.
1. Identify the independent and dependent
variables. Why?
2. What should she keep constant? Why?