1. Scientific Method
Ms. Pollock
Science 7

2. Learning Targets:
IWBAT identify the parts and steps to planning an investigation or experiment.
IWBAT create tables, graphs, and write conclusions in order to explain the results of the investigation/experiment.

3. The scientific method is the process that scientists use to learn new information about our natural world.

4. In every well designed experiment there are 3 major variables:
Manipulated Variable (MV)
This is what is being changed on purpose by the person doing the experiment
The overall category for groups that are being compared or tested
Stands alone; only 1 MV in an experiment
Math = independent variable
“manipulate” means to change or alter something on purpose

5. In every well designed experiment there are 3 major variables:
Manipulated Variable (MV)
Responding Variable (RV)
The factor(s) that are being measured or observed
The “data or results” of experiment
The factor(s) that is changing due to the MV
Math = dependent variable

6. In every well designed experiment there are 3 major variables:
Manipulated Variable (MV)
Responding Variable (RV)
Controlled Variables (CVs)
These are factors that have to be kept the same or “controlled so the data can be compared
Not all factors in an experiment can be controlled, this all depends on the experiment itself

7. In any well designed experiment there is only 1 MV, 1 or more RVs, and the rest should be CVs as much as possible.

8. There are 2 types of Data that can be collected in an experiment:
Quantitative Data
This is data that is in the form of numbers; so measuring speed, mass, height, etc… are examples of this kind of data.
“Quantity” – the amount of something
Qualitative Data
This is data that is in the form of descriptions; colors, smells, textures, etc… are examples of this kind of data
“Quality” – the different traits or characteristics of something

9. A scientist or an everyday person has 2 types of thoughts:
Observations
Stating exactly what is being seen, smelled, touched, tasted, or heard without any opinions attached to what is happening.
Example: The banana is yellow or 1 foot long
Inference
This is taking an observation and making some conclusion/opinion/assumption about it.
Example: Bananas grow where there is lots of sunlight because they are yellow.

10. 7 steps that scientists use
Scientific Question:
The question has to be answered through an experiment
MV & RV are written in the question
Testable, measurable, and specific
*Not all questions are scientific; i.e.
“What is the meaning of life?”*
This question has no way of being tested so that everyone will get similar results, therefore it is not a scientific question.

11. 7 steps that scientists use
Research:
This is doing some background reading & notes on the question or interested topic to become an expert in that area
Doing research helps scientists write a good hypothesis
Doing research helps scientists design good experiments

12. 7 steps that scientists use
Hypothesis:
This is the prediction or educated guess to the scientific question
A hypothesis statement includes the MV and how it is changed, RV and how it is changed, and a reason.
If the (Manipulated variable) (Describe how it will be changed) then the __(Responding variable) will (Describe the effect) because…..

13. 7 steps that scientists use
Materials and Procedures:
“Material List” is the part with all tools and items needed for the experiment, write in a list form
“Procedure” is the directions on how to do experiments. It is specific and in step-by-step format. Every good procedure has 6 parts:

14. 7 steps that scientists use
Materials and Procedures:
Logical, orderly steps
MV is mentioned in the steps
RV is in the steps
CV(s) are mentioned in the steps
Be Specific
Steps show repeated trials

15. 7 steps that scientists use
Data:
This is the place where you record all your measurements and observations
The recording of data is done in an organized way like a data table or t-chart

16. 7 steps that scientists use
Data:
Making a data table (5 parts)
MV Heading
RV Heading
Organized = columns and rows
Appropriate Units – found in parenthesis: example (min)
Repeated Trials

17. 7 steps that scientists use
Data Analysis:
This is a time to review the data to determine if a conclusion can be made
To look for any patterns in the data or anything unusual
This is a time to make graphs to look for patterns or unusual data

18. Data Analysis:
In every experiment there are 2 important questions to ask yourself, so that a conclusion can be made: (you must say yes to all these questions in order to make honest inferences/conclusions)
Repeatability:
Can this experiment/investigation be repeated by another person and will they get the same results?
Validity (Valid):
“Is the data accurate and reasonable?”
“Is the data in the repeated trials close together or way off?”
“Is the data good enough to say the hypothesis is true or false?

19. 7 steps that scientists use
Conclusion:
This is either a paragraph or more explaining
What the experiment was about
If the hypothesis is true or false
Discuss high and low data
What the data means
Any errors
Infer how the data can be applied