1. Scientific Method Notes
Experimental Design

2. Scientific Method:
Process by which scientists, collectively, and over time, construct an accurate representation of the world
Problem-solving method

3. Hypothesis:
An educated prediction or guess based on observations and research

4. Control:
Portion of the experiment that remains unchanged and is used for comparison

5. Variable:
Portion of the experiment that is changed in order to test hypothesis
Should only be testing one

6. Independent Variable:
The variable or change you are manipulating

7. Dependent Variable:
The variable or change that happens as a result of your change

8. Constants:
All other conditions of your experiment outside of the one independent variable should be exactly the same

9. Sample Size:
The more samples or tests you have the better, with a minimum of three to five

10. Data to Collect:
Quantitative data (data that can be easily counted or measured)

11. Presenting Data:
All data should be presented in a chart and/or graph with everything categorized or labeled

12. Line Graph
Shows trends over time

13. Bar Graph
Good for comparison of data; use histogram for consecutive data or intervals

14. Scatterplot
Determine if there is a relationship between two factors

15. Bias:
Avoid favoring one sample over another and ignoring or dismissing data counter to your hypothesis