2. Scientific Method Blueprint For Success

3.  SCI.9-12.B-1.1 - [Indicator] - Generate hypotheses based on credible, accurate, and relevant sources of scientific information.  SCI.9-12.B-1.4 - [Indicator] - Design a scientific investigation with appropriate methods of control to test a hypothesis (including independent and dependent variables), and evaluate the designs of sample investigations.

4. *What is the scientific method?  It is the steps someone takes to identify a question, develop a hypothesis, design and carry out steps or procedures to test the hypothesis, and document observations and findings to share with someone else.  In other words, it’s a way to solve a problem.

5. *Define the Problem  Make sure you know what the problem is.  State the problem as a clear question.  Will the use of Exxon gasoline give my car better gas mileage?

6.  SCI.9-12.B-1.1 - [Indicator] - Generate hypotheses based on credible, accurate, and relevant sources of scientific information.  SCI.9-12.B-1.4 - [Indicator] - Design a scientific investigation with appropriate methods of control to test a hypothesis (including independent and dependent variables), and evaluate the designs of sample investigations.

7. *Research the Problem  Find out all you can concerning your problem  Use the Library  Magazines  The internet  Personal Interviews

8. *Form a Hypothesis in the form of an “If -Then” Statement  The first part of the statement represents the problem, while the second part represents the proof you are looking for.  Examples:  If I spend my money on a new CD, then I will not have enough to go to the movies.  If I use Exxon Gasoline, then my car will get better gas mileage.

9.  SCI.9-12.B-1.1 - [Indicator] - Generate hypotheses based on credible, accurate, and relevant sources of scientific information.  SCI.9-12.B-1.4 - [Indicator] - Design a scientific investigation with appropriate methods of control to test a hypothesis (including independent and dependent variables), and evaluate the designs of sample investigations.

10. *Develop a Controlled Experiment  All experiments contain variables (things found in the experiment).  The Experimental variable is the thing being tested ONLY ONE VARIABLE AT A TIME IS TESTED  The Control variables are the other things having an effect on the experimental variable. These must be kept identical.

11. SCI.9-12.B-1.6 - [Indicator] - Evaluate the results of a controlled scientific investigation in terms of whether they refute or verify the hypothesis

12. *Other Variables  The factor that is changed is known as the independent variable.  The factor that is measured or observed is called the dependent variable.

13. Let’s Look at an Example! Gasoline’s Affect on Car Mileage.

14. What are Some Possible Variables?  Car type  Gasoline type  Driver  Driving Conditions  Amount of gasoline  Tires  Extra weight in car

15. SCI.9-12.B-1.6 - [Indicator] - Evaluate the results of a controlled scientific investigation in terms of whether they refute or verify the hypothesis

16. If we are testing gasoline, what variables must be kept identical?  The cars must be of the same type.  Each car must have the same amount of gasoline.  The cars must be driven over the same course, at the same speed, and under the same weather conditions.  The cars must contain the same type of tires.  The only difference is the type of gasoline.

17. *Conduct the Experiment  Conduct the experiment several times.  This is important to rule out making mistakes by using too few trials.  The more trials the more specific the data.

18. *Analysis of Data  Examine the data and analyze it making a determination as to what it is saying.  Check to see if your data is complete or if more tests need to be conducted.

19. *Form a Conclusion  Apply your analyzed data to your “If- then” statement (hypothesis).  If it satisfies the statement, then your hypothesis is correct.  If not, then you need to reexamine your data and find out why.  Make sure the experiment can be reproduced producing the same results.

20. SCI.9-12.B-1.6 - [Indicator] - Evaluate the results of a controlled scientific investigation in terms of whether they refute or verify the hypothesis

21.  SCI.9-12.B-1.1 - [Indicator] - Generate hypotheses based on credible, accurate, and relevant sources of scientific information.  SCI.9-12.B-1.4 - [Indicator] - Design a scientific investigation with appropriate methods of control to test a hypothesis (including independent and dependent variables), and evaluate the designs of sample investigations.