1. Scientific Method

2. Systematic Approach Six Steps State the problem/question
Gather information on the problem
Form a hypothesis
If…then…because…
Perform experiments
Record and analyze data
State Conclusion

3. State the Problem/Questions
Develop a clear statement defining the problem
Make sure your problem is narrowed/specific enough

4. Gather Information Write down all information you already know
Do research in books on the topic you are investigating
Ask experts on the subject you are researching
If you find an answer to your problem/question you do not need to move on

5. Form a Hypothesis
Suggest a possible solution to your question
May be right or wrong
Should be based on the research
Should be in the correct format:
If (independent variable), then (dependent variable, because (what you will change)

6. Perform Experiments
Develop a test to prove or disprove your hypothesis
Must be run multiple times
Must have only 1 independent variable (the factor being tested
Must include 2 setups
Experimental setup
Control setup

7. Experimental Setup
Part of the experiment containing the independent variable
Independent variable – part of the experiment you are changing
Must have only 1 independent variable to ensure the results are accurate
Example:
Plant with dirt, water, sunlight, 25oC and fertilizer (this is the independent variable if you are testing the effects of fertilizer)

8. Control Setup
Setup exactly the same as the experimental setup, except it does not include the variable
Example:
Plant with same amount of dirt, same kind of dirt, same water, same temperature, and same sunlight, DOES NOT have any fertilizer

9. Variables Independent Variable Dependent Variable
1 thing you are testing
1 thing you change between experiments
i.e. amount of fertilizer, brand of fertilizer or amount of water
Dependent Variable
Thing that changes because of the independent variable
You do not control
i.e. Number of leaves on the plant, height the plant grows, amount of fruit it produces

10. Record and Analyze Data
Recording Data
Any observations and measurements
Must write every observation down
Must be consistent in when you are checking your experiments and recording the results
Can be recorded as tables or charts
Analyzing Data
Must be looked at to determine patterns
Can make into graphs
Must Complete all necessary mathematical calculations
Answer any questions from the lab

11. Observations Qualitative Observations Quantitative Observations
Observations describing the experiment
i.e. Color, smell, touch, taste, look
Quantitative Observations
Observations with numerical values and units
i.e. Height in cm, length in m, number of leaves

12. State a Conclusion Paragraph (minimum of 5 sentences)
Decide if you hypothesis is correct or incorrect
State what proved or disproved your hypothesis
Use data in your description
State errors you may have made
State future tests to be run

13. Writing Hypotheses
A hypothesis is a tentative statement that proposes a possible explanation to some phenomenon or event. A useful hypothesis is a testable statement which may include a prediction.

14. When Are Hypotheses Used?
The key word is testable. That is, you will perform a test of how two variables might be related. This is when you are doing a real experiment. You are testing variables.
Any laboratory procedure you follow without a hypothesis is really not an experiment. It is just an exercise or demonstration of what is already known.

15. How Are Hypotheses Written?
Chocolate may cause pimples.
Salt in soil may affect plant growth.
Plant growth may be affected by the color of the light.
Bacterial growth may be affected by temperature.
All of these are not examples of hypotheses because they use the tentative word "may“. Using the word may does not suggest how you would go about proving it.
If we say "Trees will change color when it gets cold“ we are making a prediction. Or if we write, "Ultraviolet light causes skin cancer" could be a conclusion.
One way to prevent making such easy mistakes is to formalize the form of the hypothesis.

16. Notice that these statements contain the words, if and then.
Formalized Hypotheses example:
If skin cancer is related to ultraviolet light , then people with a high exposure to UV light will have a higher frequency of skin cancer.
If leaf color change is related to temperature , then exposing plants to low temperatures will result in changes in leaf color.
Notice that these statements contain the words, if and then.
If you always ask yourself that if one thing is related to another, then you should be able to test it.

17. Formalized hypotheses contain variables.
3 TYPES OF VARIABLES
1. Independent (Manipulated) Variable
2. Dependent (Responding) Variable
3. Controlled Variable
The independent variable is the one you, the "scientist" control and the dependent variable is the one that you observe and/or measure the results.

18. INDEPENDENT (MANIPULATED) VARIABLE
• The variable that can be changed
during an experiment
• The variable that may cause a
change in the dependent variable

19. DEPENDENT (RESPONDING) VARIABLE
•The factor that is being measured
in an experiment
•The variable that may change
because of the independent variable

20. CONTROL VARIABLE(CONSTANT)
•Variable that stays the same during
an experiment
•Variable that is controlled by the
scientist
•Variable that is not allowed to
change

21. Daily Assignment:
Rewrite the first four hypotheses using the formalized style.
Single underline the dependent variable and double underline the independent variable in the If clause of each hypothesis. When you are done, write one more original hypothesis of your own using this form.

22. Independent Variable- Red Dependent Variable – Blue Control- Green
Chocolate my cause pimples.
2. Salt in soil may affect plant growth.
3. Plant growth may be affected by the color of the light.
4. Bacterial growth may be affected by temperature.
If 5 ounces of chocolate is eaten for three straight days, then pimples will appear. If

23. Independent Variable- Red Dependent Variable – Blue Control- Green
Chocolate my cause pimples.
2. Salt in soil may affect plant growth.
3. Plant growth may be affected by the color of the light.
4. Bacterial growth may be affected by temperature.
If 5 ounces of chocolate is eaten three days in a row, then pimples will appear.
If 2 cups of salt is added to the soil, then the plant will not grow.