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Scientific Method

Learn about the scientific method and the steps involved in conducting a scientific investigation. Discover how to ask questions, gather information, formulate hypotheses, design experiments, analyze data, and draw conclusions.

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Scientific Method

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  1. Scientific Method The process of scientific investigations

  2. What is the Scientific Method? The scientific method is a process used to find answers to questions about the world. • These are the steps: • Ask a question (Question) • Gather information • State a hypothesis (Hypothesis) • Design an experiment (Experiment) • Make observations, record and analyze data (Analyze data) • State and share conclusion (Conclusion)

  3. Step 1: Question • What do you want to know or explain? • Use observations you have made to write a question that addresses that topic. • We will write our questions like this: How does __________________ effect ___________________? Example: How does the amount of light effect a plant’s growth? independent variable dependent variable

  4. The variable YOUcan manage or change is the independent variable. It is independent because I change it. Example: Amount of light the plant gets (light all day, light 4 hours, no light) The variable that is the observed result of the changed independent variable is the dependent variable. It depends on the independent variable. Example: Plant growth (cm) Controlled variables are variables that do not change. Examples:_______________________________________________________ Variables

  5. Step 1: Question Independent variable (IV) Dependent variable (DV) What is the effect of the type of shampoo on the smoothness of my hair? • You can change the type of shampoo you use when washing your hair • You cannot change the smoothness of your hair without doing something to it… like changing your shampoo.

  6. Step 2: Gather information • Researching your questionlets you know if others have done this same experiment before and if so, what their data suggests. • You should also research scientific concepts related to the experiment. • Examples: Plant growth, plant development, sunlight, photosynthesis.

  7. Step 3: Hypothesis • What do you think will happen? • A hypothesis is your prediction for the outcome of the experiment. • It is based on your observations and should be testable • Your hypothesis should be written in the following format: If…… then.….because… Example: IfI come to class everyday thenI will earn a better gradebecause I am present to learn the material for the test.

  8. Step 4: Experiment • Design a procedure that tests your hypothesis. • Be sure to keep the environment constantto be BE sure your experiment tests your hypothesis. Ex: If you are testing your shampoo to see if it makes your hair smoother example constants: • An experiment will have manyconstants • Record all of your data and observations and put them into a table. Conditioner water temperature amount of shampoo Number of washes style of washing type of brush ………….

  9. Step 5: Analyze Data An observation is the gathering of information by using our five senses: • Sight • Smell • Hearing • Taste • Touch There are two types of observations • Qualitative • Quantitative

  10. Qualitative Observations • Qualitative observations describe what we observe. • “Qualitative” = quality (descriptive) • These observations use adjectives to describe something. Example:The flower has white petals. Example:Ms. Beardsley has blue eyes.

  11. Quantitative Observations • Quantitative observations measure what we observe. • “Quantitative” = quantity (numerical) • These observations use numbers to measure something in a quantitative way. Example:The flower has seven petals. Example:Ms. Beardsley has two eyes.

  12. Inferences • Inferences are an explanation for an observation you have made. • They are based on your past experiences and prior knowledge. • Inferences are often changed when new observations are made. • Again, observations are information we gather directly through our five senses….inferences help explain those observations!

  13. Here are some examples! • Observation: The grass on the school’s front lawn is wet. • Possible inferences: • It rained. • The sprinkler was on. • There is dew on the grass from the morning. • A dog urinated on the grass!

  14. Last one! • Observation: A student is sitting in the main office. • Possible inferences: ? Why might a student be sitting there?

  15. Step 6: Analyze Data • Is your data reliable? • Put your data into a chart or graph and look for any trends.

  16. Step 7: Conclusions • Do your data and observations support your hypothesis? • If you cannot make a definite conclusion, you may need to try again. • This means you may either need to rewrite your procedure if it was not specific enough; you may need to change your hypothesis.

  17. Step 7: Conclusions • Report the results of your experiment to let others know what you learned. • This will be represented as either a lab report, oral presentation, or Science Fair display board. • Scientists may want to repeat your procedure to see if they get the same results as you. They may also tweak your experiment a little and have a slightly different focus. • Also, your report may lead to a new question which may lead to another investigation. This of course brings us right back to the first step again!

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