1. Scientific Investigation
Steps involved in
scientific discovery

2. The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence.

3. Formulate a Hypothesis Experiment Data & Data Analysis
Scientific Method
Problem/Question
Research
Formulate a Hypothesis
Experiment
Data & Data Analysis
Discussion and Conclusion
Publish

4. Steps of the Scientific Method
1. Problem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation.

5. Steps of the Scientific Method
2. Research: Make observations and research your topic of interest.

6. Steps of the Scientific Method
3. Formulate a Hypothesis: (Educated Guess) Predict a possible answer to the problem or question.
Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.

7. Note: Hypothesis are written as “If” “Then” Statements
The hypothesis is an educated guess about the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
Note: Hypothesis are written as “If” “Then” Statements

8. Steps of the Scientific Method
4. Experiment: Develop and follow a procedure.
Include a detailed materials list.
The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).

9. Independent Variable
The independent, or manipulated variable, is the variable that can be controlled by the experimenter.
It usually includes time (dates, minutes, hours), depth (feet, meters), temperature (Celsius).

10. Dependent Variable
The dependent, or responding variable, is the variable that is directly affected by the independent variable. It is the result of what happens because of the independent variable.
Example: How many oxygen bubbles are produced by a plant located five meters below the surface of the water? The oxygen bubbles are dependent on the depth of the water.

11. Control Group
In a scientific experiment, the control is the group that serves as the standard of comparison.
The control group is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group, except for the variable being tested.
All experiments must have a control group.

12. Constants
The constants in an experiment are all the factors that the experimenter attempts to keep the same.

13. Steps of the Scientific Method
5. Data and Data Analysis:
Data: Qualitative v Quantitative
Data Analysis: Charts/Graphs
Modify the procedure if needed.
Confirm the results by retesting.
Include tables, graphs, and photographs.

14. Graphing
When graphing your data from an experiment always place the independent variable on the X axis (horizontal) and the dependent on the Y axis (vertical) .

15. Steps of the Scientific Method
R = Results. Overall outcome of study
E = Explanation. Explain results using scientific concepts. Includes IV, DV, and Control.
E = Evidence. Using data as proof accept or reject hypothesis
P = Possible Errors. Give an example of an error and the associated effect on your experiment.
6. Conclusion & Discussion: Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis and explain why.
REEP

16. Steps of the Scientific Method 7. Publish
Share the results of a study with other scientists
Publish findings in scientific journals or at scientific meetings/conferences

17. Think you can name all seven steps?

18. When finalizing your work…
**** If your results DO NOT fit your Hypothesis DO NOT CHANGE YOUR DATA. Change your hypothesis and retry your experiment.****

19. Valid Experiment
In order for a scientific experiment to be valid it can only have 1 variable.
This variable is the part that is being tested.
All other parts of the experiment must remain the same or constant
Any experiment that has more then 1 variable cannot prove anything and therefore is invalid

20. Sample Size

21. Homework
Print off syllabus and safety form. Have a guardian sign and return by Wednesday 8/26.