Scientific Method

Vocabulary Scientific method- the way scientists learn and study the world around them. Testable question- question that can be answered by designing and conducting an experiment Constant- what stays the same in an experiment Qualitative- use your senses to observe Quantitative- observations made with instruments, measurable

Vocabulary Cont. Dependent variable: is what will be measured; it's what the investigator thinks will be affected during the experiment Example: Amount of mold that grows Independent variable: is what is varied during the experiment; it is what the investigator thinks will affect the dependent variable Example: Locations of Bread Controlled- The constant variable Example: the bread

Steps to Scientific Method *State the problem in the form of a testable question *Research/gather information *Form a hypothesis *Perform an experiment *Collect and Analyze Data *Draw conclusions

“Simple Version” Some – State the Problem Rats – Research the Topic Hate - Hypothesize Eating - Experiment Dead – Data Collection Chicken - Conclusion

1. State the problem in the form of a testable question State the problem- What problem do you want to solve? The problem must be something you can measure.

Research/Gather Information Research- Use the library, internet, observations Find the best way to obtain accurate data and information.

Form a Hypothesis Hypothesize- an educated guess/prediction about how things work. * This should be in an if/then statement. Construct a hypothesis in a way that’s easily measured.

Perform an Experiment Experiment- should test whether your hypothesis is true or false. Only one factor at a time should change while you keep all other conditions the same. You should repeat your experiment several times to make sure that the first results weren’t just an accident.

Collect and Analyze Data Data collection- collect your measurements and analyze them to see if your hypothesis is true or false. Chart or graph

Draw Conclusions Conclusion- use your data to sum up your findings, test again or make a new hypothesis If your hypothesis was false, you would modify/create a new one based on the data collected. You need to start the process all over again to test your new hypothesis. If your hypothesis was true, you may want to test it again in a new way to make sure your results are consistent.

How can the scientific method be used to help you to answer a testable question? Gives step by step instruction Keeps you organized Gives your results validity Opportunity to display your data in a chart or graph