1. The Scientific Method

2. What is the scientific method? Science is defined as observing, studying, and experimenting to gain a greater understanding of the world around us. The scientific method is a system that helps scientists apply critical thinking in a way to solve problems.

3. Step 1: Identify the Problem What do you want to know or explain? Using your observations, write a question that addresses what you want to know or explain.

4. Step 2: Form a hypothesis A hypothesis is more than just an educated guess about the outcome of the experiment. It’s an educated prediction. Scientists do extensive research by reading research journals on similar topics. This research could take many months before a hypothesis is created.

5. QUESTIONS? Upcoming!! How to design an experiment & learning to control your variables

6. Step 3: Designing An Experiment This is where you test your hypothesis! Scientists use experiments to search for a cause and effect relationship. Experiments are designed so that one item causes something else to change. These changing quantities are called variables.

7. What are variables? There are three types: independent variables, dependent variables, and control variables. The independent variable: Changed by the scientist One per experiment When altered, the scientist can observe what happens The dependent variable: Changes due to the independent variable What is observed by scientists

8. What are variables? The control variables: Must remain constant (show no change) All variables must be measureable. Ex. Love is not a measureable variable.

9. Variable Examples If you open a faucet (ind. variable), the quantity of water flowing (dep. variable) changes in response. If we want to measure how much water increases when we open the faucet, it is important to make sure that the water pressure (control variable) is held constant.

10. Setting up a controlled experiment

11. Step 4: Analyze your data & draw a conclusion Does it support your hypothesis? Is your data reliable? If the hypothesis is supported, write your conclusion summarizing your important parts of your experiment and the results. If your data is inconclusive or the experiment is flawed, write your conclusion like above.

12. Is an experiment ever thought of as a failure? NO!!!! Step 5: Communicate your results! Even if your hypothesis could not be proven or your experiment contained flaws, it’s a learning experience. Redesign your experiment and rewrite your hypothesis. Ex. The Sponge Bob’s cure for slimotosis

13. What is a Scientific Theory? A theory is an explanation that has been tested by repeated observations. Theories are not definite though. Ex. Two hundred years ago, heat was thought to be an invisible fluid that flowed from a warm object to a cool object. As technology advances, we are able to see our world more closely, make revisions, or change our theories if necessary.

14. What is a Scientific Law? A law that states a repeated observation about nature. They are usually very simple. Ex. Law of Gravity

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