1. The Scientific Method A Way to Solve a Problem Updated by Mrs. Sprenkle

2.  Scientists have to take time to think logically when they are investigating a question or problem.  They break things down into many steps that make sense.

3. The “Steps” of the Scientific Method “Anna Found Twenty Adorable Dogs and Cats” Mrs. Sprenkle??? What are you talking about???

4. Step 1  Anna = Ask a Question Scientists observe the world around them, identify problems, and develop questions. Scientists observe the world around them, identify problems, and develop questions. Ex. Do violent video games give kids high blood pressure?

5. Step 2  Found = Form a Hypothesis Once scientists have “asked a question”, they form a hypothesis = a statement that can be tested experimentally. This is sometimes called an “educated guess”. Once scientists have “asked a question”, they form a hypothesis = a statement that can be tested experimentally. This is sometimes called an “educated guess”. Ex. Playing violent video games increases kids blood pressure

6. Step 3  Twenty = Test the hypothesis The next step scientists take is to create a procedure to conduct an experiment to test their hypothesis. The next step scientists take is to create a procedure to conduct an experiment to test their hypothesis. With your partner, think of ways you could test the game/blood pressure hypothesis.

7. Variables and Groups  Independent Variable- thing that you manipulate in an experiment. Ex. Playing Video Games Ex. Playing Video Games  Dependent Variable- the response that you measure Ex. Blood Pressure Ex. Blood Pressure  Experimental group- person/thing that receives the drug/treatment/device Ex. Taking blood pressure while playing VIOLENT video games Ex. Taking blood pressure while playing VIOLENT video games  Control group- person/thing used as the comparison (DOES NOT receive the drug/treatment/device) Ex. Taking blood pressure while playing NON-violent game. Ex. Taking blood pressure while playing NON-violent game.

8. PLACEBO!  An inactive substance which may look like medicine but contains no medicine. In some studies, the participants in a control group may be given a placebo. Ex. People given a “sugar pill” and told it is a blood pressure medication Ex. People given a “sugar pill” and told it is a blood pressure medication

9. Step 4  Adorable = Analyze Data A key to experimenting is observing what happens and writing it down. A key to experimenting is observing what happens and writing it down. Scientists analyze data by creating charts, graphs, or other VISUAL forms to question and discuss. Scientists analyze data by creating charts, graphs, or other VISUAL forms to question and discuss. Ex. The blood pressure readings varied at different times.

10. Step 5  Dogs = Draw conclusions Scientists draw conclusions about data and determine if it agrees with the hypothesis Scientists draw conclusions about data and determine if it agrees with the hypothesis Ex. Blood pressure readings increased each time the kids played violent video games but not when playing non-violent video games. There fore, the violent video games caused their high blood pressure.

11. Step 6  Cats = Communicate Results Scientists share their experiments and findings with others Scientists share their experiments and findings with others Because they share their experiments and findings, scientists can learn from each other and often use someone else’s experiences to help them with what they are studying or doing.Because they share their experiments and findings, scientists can learn from each other and often use someone else’s experiences to help them with what they are studying or doing.

12. The Steps Reviewed Ask a Question Ask a Question Form a Hypothesis Form a Hypothesis Test the hypothesis Test the hypothesis Analyze Data Analyze Data Draw Conclusions Draw Conclusions Communicate Results Communicate Results