1. The Scientific Method: DR HERC
The Scientific Method refers to the basic steps scientists use to solve problems… D
(D)etermine the Problem R
Gather (R)esearch H
Form a (H)ypothesis E
Carry Out an (E)xperiment
Record and Analyze the (R)esults C
Draw a (C)onclusion

2. Step 1: Determine the Problem
A good science problem is written as a question, and is one that you can test to find the answer
*This is the purpose of your investigation
What is the problem or question posed in the “Octopus Pregnancy?”
Is it possible for an octopus egg to survive and grow in a human stomach

3. Step 2: Gather Research Gather data to help you form your hypothesis
Research what others have already discovered about your problem (books, magazines, reports, experts, etc.)
Observation – using one or more of your senses to collect data
Inference – an interpretation of an observation based on evidence or prior knowledge
What information did Adam and Jamie gather before beginning their experiment?

4. Step 3: Form a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a possible explanation of, or answer to your scientific question
Worded as an “If…then…because…” statement
MUST be testable
MUST be based on research
Will be supported or disproved by experimentation
What was Adam and Jamie’s hypothesis? What did you think would happen?

5. Step 4: Carry Out Experiment
Materials List
Detailed list of all supplies needed to carry out your experiment
Include amounts needed of each supply
Procedures List
Step-by-step instructions for how to carry out experiment
Must be detailed enough so your experiment could be repeated by someone else

6. They also include… a CONTROL
Controls are things that do not change throughout the experiment
These are kept the same throughout each trial
What things did Adam and Jamie keep constant throughout their experiment?

7. What variables did Adam and Jamie include in their experiment?
As well as… VARIABLES
A variable is a factor that can change in an experiment
You may only change one at a time!
An independent variable is the one and only variable you’re allowed to change in your experiment this is the variable being tested (x-axis on a graph)
A dependent variable is the factor that changes because of your independent variable this is the observed variable (y-axis on a graph)
What variables did Adam and Jamie include in their experiment?

8. Step 4: Carry Out an Experiment
Now you may design and carry out an experiment to test your hypothesis
Determine controls
Consider all possible variables
Must include at least two trials
???
How did the Mythbusters team carry out their experiment?

9. How did Adam and Jamie check and interpret their results?
Step 5: Record your Data
Recording accurate observations and measurements are necessary to carrying out a valid experiment
Once recorded, you can organize your data
Perform any necessary calculations
Create charts/graphs/data tables to organize data
Consider sources of error
How did Adam and Jamie check and interpret their results?

10. Step 6: Draw a Conclusion
Interpret your charts, tables, or graphs to help you draw your conclusions
Answer your question using data as evidence
No octopus here…
Based on the data you have gathered, were you able to find the answer to your question?
If so, was your hypothesis correct?
If no, what other experiment(s) could help you retest your theory?
What conclusion can be drawn as a result of this experiment?

11. Scientific Theory
Scientific Theory is an explanation of how or why something happens based on scientific knowledge resulting from repeated observations and experiments
A theory is based on thousands of experiments carried out by many different scientists
It can be proven to be incorrect as new knowledge is gained from further experiments

12. Scientific Law
A Scientific Law is a statement about how something works that seems to be true all of the time
Tells what will happen, but does not necessarily explain why
Is less likely to change than a Scientific Theory