Scientific Method The Scientific Method is a series of steps that are used to investigate or solve a problem

Steps of the Scientific method Identify the Problem Research the problem Form a Hypothesis Test the hypothesis (design and conduct an experiment) Observe and record data Analyze and report data Draw a conclusion

Problem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation. A problem statement compares variables.

A variable is something that changes. What are Variables??? A variable is something that changes. There are dependent variables and independent variables

Independent Variable The independent, or manipulated variable, is a factor that’s intentionally varied by the experimenter Example: Does the drop height effect the bounce height of a bouncy ball. We know the drop heights we will use to test this. The experimenter will change this.

Dependent Variable The dependent, or responding variable, is the variable that may change as a result of changes made in the independent variable. The variable we are trying to find out. Example: Does the drop height effect the bounce height of a bouncy ball. We do not know the bounce height when we start. It will change as the drop height is changed.

Control Group In a scientific experiment, the control is the group that serves as the standard of comparison. The control group may be a “no treatment" or an “experimenter selected” group. The control group is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group, except for the variable being tested. All experiments should have a control group.

Constants The constants in an experiment are all the factors that the experimenter attempts to keep the same. keep all other factors the same so that any observed changes attributed to the variation in the independent variable.

Research: Research your topic of interest. Computer/internet Books, magazines, dictionaries, etc Previous research reports People with insight, education, or experience related to your problem

Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to the problem or question (an educated guess).

Test the hypothesis/Design and conduct experiment: Develop and follow a procedure. Include a detailed materials list. The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).

Observe and record data: An observation is a provable fact. Use the five senses to gather information/data. Record data in tables, charts, graphs, etc. An inference is an opinion based on observed facts

Observatin vs Inference Observation Inference

Observation vs Inference

Analyze and report data and results: Look carefully at the results to see what you can derive from them.

Conclusion: A statement that presents the findings of the experiment and what the data shows. It states if the hypothesis was correct or incorrect.