1. The Scientific Method A quick overview...

2. The scientific method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence. There can be some variation, but scientists generally agree that the process consists of the following:

3. Scientific Method 1. Problem/Question 2. Observation/Research 3. Formulate a Hypothesis 4. Experiment 5. Collect and Analyze Results 6. Conclusion 7. Communicate the Results

4. Steps of the Scientific Method Problem/Question 1. Problem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation.

5. Observation/Research 2. Observation/Research: Make observations and research your topic of interest. Steps of the Scientific Method

6. Formulate a Hypothesis 3. Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to the problem or question. Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase. Steps of the Scientific Method

7. Experiment 4. Experiment: Develop and follow a procedure. Include a detailed materials list. The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable). Steps of the Scientific Method

8. Collect and Analyse Results 5. Collect and Analyse Results: Modify the procedure if needed. Confirm the results by retesting. Include tables, graphs, and photographs. Steps of the Scientific Method

9. Conclusion 6. Conclusion: Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis. Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure. Steps of the Scientific Method

10. Communicate the Results 7. Communicate the Results: Be prepared to present the project to an audience. Expect questions from the audience. Steps of the Scientific Method

11. Some things to consider...

12. Fair tests Your experiment (and the write up ) needs to be completed in such a way that anyone from anywhere can repeat the process and get similar results. Repeat trials

13. Variables A variable is any factor in an experiment which can change and which can affect the results Independent – the variable you change ON PURPOSE Dependent – the variable you MEASURE Controlled – all the things you have to keep the same to make the experiment fair.

14. Lets design an experiment!

15. STEP 1: QUESTION Will Miss Simpson’s Miracle Mixture actually help plants grow better?

16. STEP 2: Research/Observe You research online and find out that plants grow much bigger with at least 10% nitrogen in the soil. You observe that Miss Simpson’s Miracle Mixture contains 10% nitrogen.

17. Step 3: HYPOTHESIS “If Miss Simpson’s Miracle Mixture is added to plants, then the plant size will increase”

18. Step 4: Experiment You set up a number (3) of pots with no mixture, and the same number of pots with the Miracle Mixture. Determine the : independent, dependent & controlled variables for the experiment.

19. No miracle mixture Miracle mixture

20. Step 5: Collect Results How are you going to record your results? Video camera, measurements – height/weight? How often? Averages? How are you going to graph your results?

21. No miracle mixture Miracle mixture

22. Step 6: Conclusion Summarise your results (data) Determine whether they support or refute your hypothesis.

23. Step 7: Communicate your findings Write a report or publish your findings online.

24. Caution Be careful how you use the words effect and affect. Effect is usually a noun and affect, a verb. “The effect of sugar amounts on the rising of bread.” “How does sugar affect the rising of bread?”

25. Now we start using PINK PIGS & BLUE CATS