Steps of the Scientific Method

Experimental Design Using the scientific method The scientific method is a way to answer questions and solve problems. All true experimental investigations must have: 1 independent variable Dependent variables Constants and/or controls

Do You Know the Steps of the Scientific Method?

Construct a Hypothesis Test with an Experiment Scientific Method Ask a Question/ Background Research Construct a Hypothesis Test with an Experiment Collect and Analyze Results Report Conclusions

Steps of the Scientific Method 1. Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation. Must be measureable

Steps of the Scientific Method 1. Research: Make observations and research your topic of interest. EX. Books, internet, ask a professional, class notes

Steps of the Scientific Method 2. Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to the problem or question. Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase because photosynthesis requires sunlight and the sun increases soil temperature. I “think” or “I believe” should not be used in a hypothesis

Steps of the Scientific Method 3. Experiment: Develop and follow a procedure. The procedure is a detailed, step-by-step set of directions for carrying out your experiment.

Review of Variables: An Independent Variable: The only change between the experimental groups. It is the difference between the groups. It is what you are testing! You can only have one of these. A dependent variable: The effect or result that can be observed and measured in your experiment. Constants: All parts of the experiment that are kept the same. Only one difference should be tested at a time in an experiment. Control Group- A group used to compare the test groups against. The control group does not have anything done to it. No independent variable.

Independent Variable The independent, or manipulated variable, is a factor that’s intentionally varied (changed) by the experimenter. The independent variable is the input or x-value.

Dependent Variable The dependent, or responding variable, is the factor that may change as a result of changes made in the independent variable. The dependent variable is the output or y-value. Think what result do I measure when I do the experiment?

Control Group In a scientific experiment, the control is the group what serves as the standard of comparison. A group that leaves the independent variable off!

Constants The constants in an experiment are all the factors that the experimenter attempts to keep the same.

Do you know the difference between the independent and dependent variables in an experiment?

Steps of the Scientific Method 4. Analyze Results: Measure and record the information you get from your procedure. These are sometimes called observations or results. Record your information carefully in a Data table. Display your information in a graph. Quantitative-numerical Qualitative- descriptive

Steps of the Scientific Method 5. Conclusion: Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis. Describe trends in your data or observations. Include evidence by citing relevant data Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure. Answers the problem question!!!

Think you can name all five steps of the scientific method?