The Scientific Method

1. Posing A Question Some discoveries happen by chance but the standard is for a scientist to begin with forming a question. The more limited the question, the easier it is to set up an experiment to answer it.

2. Form a Hypothesis Before you can write your hypothesis, you need to identify the variables in your question. Independent variable: The factor you want to test. It is changed by the investigator to observe how it affects the dependent variable. Dependent variable: The factor you measure or observe during an experiment. Variable Worksheet

Hypothesis continued: Take an educated guess, hypothesis, about the answer to the problem or question. A hypothesis uses your prior knowledge and observations to predict what will happen and why.

Steps for Writing a Hypothesis Identify independent and dependent variables Will one variable affect the other? Write the hypothesis using the following format: If the [independent variable] increases or decreases, then the [dependent variable] increases or decreases. Writing Hypothesis Worksheet

3. Doing The Test Constants: The factors that remain the same To test how the independent variable affects the dependent variable, you need to keep all other factors the same for each test. Constants: The factors that remain the same Without constants two independent variables could change at the same time and you won’t know which variable affected the dependent variable. Three Kinds of Variables Worksheet

Making Observations Qualitative Observations: Use your 5 senses to describe what is happening. Quantitative Observations: Use measurements (numbers) to describe what is happening. Confection Connection Worksheet Penny Observation Worksheet

4. Record The Data Reporting of the data should state specifics of how the measurements were calculated. Data tables organize information quickly and easily Independent variable on the left, dependent on the right Graphing Data: Graphing takes numbers and shows patterns that you might not notice.

Graphing-Types of Graphs Bar Graph- used for comparing data quickly and easily; data is in distinct categories Line- looking at trends/changes over a period of time Pie- used for showing percentages

Graphing Requirements Use a RULER Title-must be descriptive Label your axes with the variables and their units: X-Axis-independent variable Y-Axis-dependent variable Use EQUAL increments-the separation of numbers and squares must be equal Graphing Packet

5. Conclusions Describe trends you see in the data. Compare the results to your hypothesis. Make inferences-use evidence in your results to support your conclusion Thinking Map