Scientific Method The 8-Step Process to Scientific Investigations

What Is The Scientific Method? The Scientific Method is a process used to find answers to questions about the world around us.

Is There Only One Scientific Method? No! There are several versions of this scientific process ranging in the number of steps. However, all versions begin with a question to be answered based on observations of the world around us and provide an organized method for conducting and analyzing an experiment.

Which Version Will We Use? We will be using a 8-step version in class with the following steps: Identify and state the problem. Research the question and gather information. Form a hypothesis. Design the experiment. Conduct an experiment, make observations, and record data to test your hypothesis. Organize and analyze data. Draw Conclusions. Communicate results.

Do Real Scientists Use This Process? Even though many scientists do use the idea of the Scientific Method for their daily work, they do not necessarily use each of the individual steps. A similar version of the Scientific Method has been adopted by businesses all over the country. It teaches employees to diagnose a problem, think about ways of solving that problem, then testing those ideas to try and solve the problem.

Step 1: Identify and State the Problem What do you want to know or explain? Use observations you have made to write a question that addresses the problem or topic you want to investigate.

Step 2: Research The Question and Gather Information Important step for independent investigation. Researching your question lets you know if others have done this same experiment before and if so, what their data suggests. If they had a widely accepted conclusion, you may want to try a different angle with your experiment or test a different variable. You should also research the scientific concepts associated with the experiment. For example, if you are testing to see which paper towel brand is the most absorbent, you should research absorbency, paper material, and quality control testing. This will help answer the “WHY?”

Step 3: Form A Hypothesis What do you think will happen? Write this as an “If … then..” statement. If (mention the independent variable) then (mention the dependent variable) Sometimes referred to as an “educated guess.” It is based on your observations and should be testable!

Step 4: Design the Experiment Design a procedure that tests your hypothesis to see if your prediction is correct. Address the variables to be included.

Variables are the factors that can change in an experiment

Remember: Dry Mix? This is the mix Independent Variable The variable that you purposely change. It is manipulated by the experimenter. This is also called the manipulated variable. Remember: Dry Mix? This is the mix

Dependent Variable The factor that may change as a result of the manipulated variable. This is also known as the responding variable. Remember: Dry Mix? This is the dry

Controlled Variables Also known as the control Keeping all conditions the same except for the independent variable. Controlling the variables and only testing one factor at a time is what makes it a scientific experiment.

Example What are some independent variables that could affect how quickly ice melts?

Step 5: Conduct An Experiment,. Make Observations, and Record Step 5: Conduct An Experiment, Make Observations, and Record Data To Test Your Hypothesis Record all of your data and observations and put them into a table that is neat and organized.

Step 6: Organize and Analyze Data Organize your collected data. Put your data into a chart or graph and look for any trends.

Step 7: Draw Conclusions Does your data and observations support your hypothesis? Conclusion should always go back to your hypothesis. If you cannot make a definite conclusion, you may need to try the experiment again. This means you may either need to rewrite your procedure if it was not specific enough; you may need to change your hypothesis.

Step 8: Communicate Results Report the results of your experiment to let others know what you have learned. This will be represented as either a lab report, oral presentation, or Science Fair display board. Scientists may want to repeat your procedure. They may also tweak your experiment a little and have a slightly different focus. Also, your report may lead to a new question which may lead to another investigation.

Scientific Method Any Questions? Let’s Try An Example

THE CASE OF THE PINK painted JAIL

You and your partner have been given an important new case

Your Assignment

THE CASE: Police authorities say the color PINK has a calming affect on prisoners. Therefore, some county jails want to paint the cells PINK to help keep the inmates calm.

Using the Scientific Method: State the Problem of This Case. What Research Would You Conduct? Formulate a Hypothesis for Your Problem. Design an Experiment to Test Your Hypothesis. What Type of Observations and Data Would You Expect to Collect? How Would You Organize and Analyze Your Data? (You could make-up an example) How Would You Communicate Your Results? *One report per group

DISCUSS