1. Scientific Method
Practice Scenario

2. Question
Will fresh water or salt water freeze faster?

3. Background Information
What do you already know?
What is the real life connection?

4. Hypothesis Think: What do you want to measure/test?
What should you change/manipulate to achieve results?
Write:
If … then … because …
If (manipulated variable), then (responding variable), because (reason from research or prior knowledge)

5. Variables Manipulated (independent) variable:
Responding (dependent) variable:
Controlled variable:

6. Write the experimental procedure to test your hypothesis.
Here’s a list of materials:
2 plastic cups
Measuring cylinder
400 mL of cold tap water
1 tablespoon of table salt
Stirrer
Thermometer
Fridge
Marker
Clock
Remember to:
Number the steps.
Use complete sentences.
Be specific.
Indicate number of trials.

7. With the measuring cylinder, measure and pour 200 mL of tap water into each plastic cup.
Add 1 tablespoon of salt to one cup and stir until the salt is dissolved.
Label the cups “fresh water” and “salt water”.
Measure and record the temperature of water in both cups.
Place both cups in the freezer.
Check and record the temperature every 30 minutes.

8. Experiment Setup
Photos or drawings with labels that show the exact set up

9. How would you communicate the results of the experiment?

10. Data Table # : Title Label Label: Brawny Bounty Scott Include a number
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Average
Brawny #
Bounty
Scott
Always include an appropriate title
Include labels for columns; include units!

11. Use average, or reduced data
Graph
Use average, or reduced data
Include a title and number
Labels should include units where needed

12. What other steps do you need to include to have a complete scientific investigation?

13. Writing a Conclusion Restate the question. Answer the question.
Restate the hypothesis (My hypothesis was …).
Say if the hypothesis was correct or incorrect.
Explain why by using details from the results.