1. Scientific Inquiry & Experimental Design
How do we solve problems in science?

2. The scientific method…
State the problem
Form a hypothesis
Procedure
Results
Conclusion
Let’s have a more in depth look at what scientist actually use and more scientific terminology.

3. Experimental Design vs. Scientific Method
Research Question
Formulating Hypothesis
Careful Observation
Data Gathering
Analysis of Data
Identifying patterns in the data
State the problem
Form a hypothesis
Procedure
Results
Conclusion

4. Types of Experimental Design
Different research questions require different experimental designs.
Descriptive Investigations
Comparative Investigations
Experimental Research Design

5. Descriptive Investigations
An investigation used to explore questions in environmental conditions you cannot control.
Ex. Jane Goodall’s study of chimpanzees.
Picture hyperlinked to:
A hypothesis is not required in these investigations.

6. Comparative Investigations
Involves collecting data on different organisms/objects/features, or collecting data under different conditions to make a comparison.
Example: times of year, temperatures, locations
Hypothesis: Pecan trees produce more pecans during the rainy season than they do during a drought.

7. Experimental Research Design
Can be used when focused on a single variable.
Conditions can be controlled.
Determines the cause of a problem.
Ex.: Thumb Wars

8. What is a Variable? Any part of an experiment that can change.
Independent variable  changed by the “scientist”
Dependent variable  changed “because” of the independent variable.

9. What is a Control? Part of the experiment that is not being tested.
Used for comparison.
“Keep it fair”  keep all things the same except for one factor.

10. If a plant is given milk, Then it will die, Because plants need water to survive.
Independent variable 
Dependent variable 

11. What happens to your grades if you don’t study?
then your grades will decline
because you are not prepared for class.

12. What happens to your heart rate if you do jumping jacks?
then your heart rate will increase
because your body is pumping more blood.

13. What happens if you work more hours?
then you will make more money
because you are paid per hour.

14. What happens if you brush your teeth?
then _______________________
because ____________________.

15. How does your tan change if you stay outside longer?
then _______________________
because ____________________.

16. Experimental Research Design: Thumb Wars
Research Question
Hypothesis
Gathering Data
Data Analysis
Patterns in the data
One variable tested: thumb length

17. Experimental Research Design
Research Question: Do plants grow better in coke or water?

18. Do plants grow better in coke or water?
Research Question: Do plants grow better in coke or water?
Hypothesis Ex: Plants will grow better in water because plants need water to live.
Gathering Data: Controlled experiment with one independent variable.
Independent Variable: Type of liquid given to plants
Dependent Variable: Measured growth of each plant
Constants: Conditions kept the same (such as amount of liquid, type of plant, soil, amount of sunlight)

19. Do plants grow better in coke or water? (cont.)
Analysis of Data : Using graphs/tables to find trends in the data.