1. Using the Scientific Method
In search of the truth…

2. Is There A Bigfoot?

3. I. What is the Scientific Method?
The scientific method is a formal way of problem solving used by scientists.
It is a universal way of thinking that was developed by many great minds……
- Aristotle (384 BC-322 BC)
- Italian physicist Galileo (1564–1642)
-English philosopher Francis Bacon (1561–1626)

4. I. What is the Scientific Method?
The scientific method is fact based
It is a way of thinking that does not rely on personal bias (opinion)
The scientific method is used by advanced societies to find out the truth about the world we live in

5. II. Steps of the Scientific Method
1. Make an observation (use your senses)
2. Identify a problem or question
3. Make a hypothesis (a testable guess)
4. Design and perform an experiment (a plan for testing the hypothesis)
5. Collect, evaluate and analyze data (find meaning through calculations and graphs)
6. Draw a conclusion (a summary of what you have learned)
7. Communicate the results (write a paper, present a poster, make a podcast, publish work in a scientific journal)

6. 1. Observation
Scientists use their senses to observe the natural world...They look for new patterns and new things not yet noticed by others
“Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure science”

7. 2. Question or Problem Ask a question about what you observe
Throughout your scientific process, always reflect upon and pay attention to the question you are trying to answer

8. 3. Hypothesis
A hypothesis is an “educated guess” that predicts the results of the investigation.
The hypothesis is based on observation, previous studies, and research done on the topic.
Hypothesis format:
If the (insert independent variable) does this, then the (insert dependent variable) will do this

9. 4. Experiment
Develop a step by step safe procedure to answer the question
The experiment should be “controlled”
The results should be numerical when possible
Repeat the experiment many times with multiple trials to get reliable and precise data
A controlled experiment is an experiment where all factors are the same except the one being tested

10. 5. Data Information collected in an experiment
trial
penny
nickel
avg
Information collected in an experiment
Usually represented in a data table
Data that are measureable and numerical (numbers) are called “quantitative” data (example: 100 degrees C).
Data that are non-numerical are called “qualitative” data (example: it’s hot)
It is best to use quantitative data when working in science
Data analysis involves looking for patterns in the data.
Graphs and tables are used to show relationships among variables.

11. 6. Conclusion
Based on your data analysis, state whether your hypothesis was confirmed or not
Explain your answer to the original question and discuss sources of error
It is acceptable to prove your hypothesis wrong if your scientific process still uncovered some truths about the world

12. 7. Communicate Results Write a lab report
Present your results to the class
Make a poster
Present a poster at a scientific convention
Make a blog
Record a podcast
Create a webpage
Write a masters or PhD thesis
Publish research in a peer-reviewed scientific journal (Nature, Science, Journal of Cell Biology)
Publish an article in a magazine
Write a book
Make a documentary

13. Now what do you believe and how can you prove it?
Ghosts?
Aliens?
Bigfoot?