1. Scientific Method Outline
Problem/Question
Research
Hypothesis
Experiment
Analyze Results
a. Quantitative
b. Qualitative
c. Line graphs
d. Bar graphs
6. Conclusion
Definitions
Independent V. and levels of IV
Dependent Variable
Control
Constants
Repeated Trials
Theory vs. Law

2. Honors Biology Scientific Method steps used to investigate
(Also know as experimental design)
steps used to investigate
a natural occurrence

3. Steps of the Scientific Method
1. Purpose: What do you want to learn?

4. Steps of the Scientific Method
2. Research: Find out as much information as you can.

5. Steps of the Scientific Method
3. Formulate a Hypothesis: prediction, MUST BE TESTABLE.
Written in If (IV)… then (DV)… form.
Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.

6. Steps of the Scientific Method
4. Experiment: test your hypothesis

7. Steps of the Scientific Method
5. Analyze Data (results): Modify the procedure if needed.
Confirm the results by retesting.
Include tables, graphs, and photographs.

8. Two Kinds of Data: Quantitative: can be measured, counted, numbers
Ex: sizes
Qualitative: descriptive
Ex: behaviors, colors

9. Quantitative/Qualitative Practice
The rose was red.
2. The stem on the flower was 13cm long.
3. The potato weighed 6 grams.
4. Water freezes at zero degrees celcius.
5. The peanut’s shell was rigid.

10. General graphing guidelines
Graphs begin from data usually given in a table.
Graph should have title (includes IV and DV)
Set up graph with IV on horizontal axis and DV on vertical axis
Units placed under or beside the label for each axis
Choose scale (evenly spaced), plot points, draw line or bars, add legend for multiple data sets

11. Two Types of Graphs: 1. Line Graphs:
display data or information that changes continuously over time
Used to plot points when 2 sets of numbers

12. 2. Bar Graphs:
best suited for comparing data
Used when only 1 set of numbers

13. Steps of the Scientific Method
6. Conclusion: accept or reject hypothesis
Make recommendations for improvements.

14. 1 min review
Name all 6 steps in order

15. Independent Variable “What am I changing?”
The independent is purposefully changed by the experimenter.
“What am I changing?”
Ex. Several plants: some with fertilizer, some without

16. Levels of IV The different amounts or categories of IV being tested
Ex. IV is Amount of fertilizer
Levels of IV are none, 1 gram, 2 grams

17. Dependent Variable Ex. Plant height (cm)
The dependent is the resulting change that is measured by the experimenter.
Ex. Plant height (cm)

18. control =standard of comparison.
Control Group
control =standard of comparison.
The control group is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group except for the 1 variable being tested.

19. Constants Factors that remains unchanged
done the same to both experimental and control groups

20. Trials
Trials refer to # of groups that are exposed to the same conditions in an experiment. (more= better)
Ex. 5 plants with water, 5 plants with 1 gram, 5 with 2 grams fertilizer

21. Theory vs. Law
Theory: when many experiments show the same conclusion, the hypothesis can become a theory
** theories are NOT proven
Law: fact of nature
ex: gravity