The Scientific Method http://www.amphi.com/schools/donaldson/teacherres/images/3BA6094742DE4B2984BF0DAC8F19611D.gif

What is the Scientific Method?? A series of steps used to answer questions about the world around us… 1. Problem 2. Hypothesis 3. Experiment 4. Data 5. Results 6. Conclusion 7. Repeat R/R

1. State the Problem/Question Based on observations MUST be scientific, NOT an opinion http://thebiggestnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/question_mark_Animation.gif

Example Problem/Question Why is my houseplant not growing? http://www.jrj-socrates.com/Cartoon%20Pics/Misc/Land%20Before%20Time/Littlefoot_300.gif

2. Form a Hypothesis Possible explanation that is based on facts MUST be an IF…THEN statement Try to answer the question you asked in STEP 1.

Example Hypothesis IF the houseplant is exposed to more sun, THEN it will grow.

3. Conduct your Experiment Test of your hypothesis Parts of an experiment: Independent: The variable that is tested by the scientist. Dependent: The Variable that is measured as a result of a change in the independent variable. http://www.dynamicscience.com.au/tester/solutions/experimental%20technique/sunlightando2.gif

Parts of an experiment: Constant: a factor that does not change when other factors do. Control: standard of measure

4. Record Your Data Gathered evidence recorded during your experiment Quantitative n* = NUMBERS 7 days or 3 feet Qualitative l* = LETTERS Greener or taller http://flsunlink.org/presentations/fetc2004/images/writing.jpg

5. Results Summary of the data Can be graphs, charts or sentences

6. Draw Conclusions What did you learn from doing the experiment? Analyze results

7. Revise/Redo or Repeat Reject hypothesis: Accept hypothesis: Revise hypothesis and redo the experiment Accept hypothesis: Repeat experiment to make sure you get the same results Why?

Theory vs. Law Theory: can be tested Law: Proven fact of nature Ex. Spontaneous Generation Law: Proven fact of nature Ex. Gravity http://img1.loadtr.com/b-410004-picture_of_animated_car.gif