1. Scientific Method

2. Scientific Method Steps
State the problem.
Research the problem
Make a hypothesis.
Conduct the experiment.
Collect/analyze data.
Draw a conclusion.
Share your results

3. State the problem
Problems arise from observations we make

4. Observations
Observations: We use our senses to gather information about the world around us.

5. Hypothesis An educated guess A prediction Use “If”, “then” format
We predict that if we drop a ball from a higher height, then it will bounce higher.
“If” is the Independent variable.
“Then” is the Dependent variable.

6. Experiment Must have a procedure Must have only one variable
Step by step directions
Must have only one variable
Thing that changes in experiment
Everything else must be kept the same
Controls

7. Collect/Analyze Data
Make a data table to collect results of experiment
Make a graph (if possible)

8. Draw a Conclusion
Use the data to either prove or disprove your hypothesis

9. Theory Has a very different meaning in science than in everyday life.
“The detective has a theory about who robbed the bank.” This is a guess.
When scientists use the word theory it is not used as a guess.

10. Theory defined
An explanation based on many observations during repeated experiments that is valid only if:
it is consistent with observations
makes predictions that can be tested
It is the simplest explanation.
A logical, time tested explanation for events that occur in nature.

11. Graphing
The visual characteristics of a graph make trends in data easy to see.
One of the most valuable uses for graphs is to "predict" data that is not measured on the graph.

12. Graphing Steps Identify the Variables D E P N T V A R I B L
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

13. Graphing Steps Identify the Variables Determine the scale D E P N T V
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

14. Graphing Steps Identify the Variables Determine the scale
Number and label each axis
Plot the points
Draw the graph
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

15. Graphing Steps Identify the Variables Determine the scale
Number and label each axis
Plot the points
Draw the graph
Give graph a title
TITLE
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

16. Identify the Variables
Independent Variable - (the thing you changed)
Goes on the X axis (horizontal)
Should be on the left side of a data table.
Dependent Variable - (changes with the independent variable)
Goes on the Y axis (vertical)
Should be on the right side of a data table.

17. Scale
Determine a scale, (the numerical value for each square), that best fits the range of each variable.
Spread the graph to use MOST of the available space.

18. Label Axis's
You need to tell everyone reading your graph what the graph means.
Be sure to include units.

19. Plotting
Plot each data value on the graph with a dot. You can put the data number by the dot, if it does not clutter your graph.

20. Drawing Draw a curve or a line that best fits the data points.
Most graphs of experimental data are not drawn as "connect-the- dots".

21. Title Your title should clearly tell what the graph is about.
If your graph has more than one set of data, provide a "key" to identify the different lines

22. Interpolation
Interpolate: predicting data between two measured points on the graph.

23. Extrapolation
Extrapolate: extending the graph, along the same slope, above or below measured data.