Scientific Method

Problem or Question Research Hypothesis Procedure Observations Data Conclusion

Hypothesis A possible explanation for observations that relate to a scientific question Must be testable by observation or experiment It is a Scientific “Guess” Example: I think that if I water the plant everyday it will grow.

You use all five of these to gather information Observation Uses all five senses Sight Hearing Touch Smell Taste You use all five of these to gather information

Data Observations and measurements recorded during an experiment

Controlling Independent Dependent Variables Factors that can CHANGE during an experiment 3 Types of Variables Controlling Independent Dependent

Controlled Variable The variable that stays the SAME Example: You have two plants that are both in the same pot, with the same amount of soil, the same amount of seeds and have the same amount of water. You place one in front of the window and the other in a closet. After two weeks you measure to see the growth of each of the plants.

Independent Variable The variable that the scientist CHANGES Manipulated variable Example: You have two plants that are both in the same pot, with the same amount of soil, the same amount of seeds and have the same amount of water. You place one in front of the window and the other in a closet. After two weeks you measure to see the growth of each of the plants.

Dependent Variable The variable that the scientist Measures Responding variable Example: You have two plants that are both in the same pot, with the same amount of soil, the same amount of seeds and have the same amount of water. You place one in front of the window and the other in a closet. After two weeks you measure to see the growth of each of the plants.

Results There are many different ways to organize the data into your results Bar Graph Data Table Line Graph Circle Graph

Compare Hypothesis to the Data How to begin…. Conclusion Compare Hypothesis to the Data How to begin…. According to my data, my hypothesis was right or wrong because…. I think this happened because….If I were to do this experiment again I would…..

Scientific Law A statement that describes what scientists expect to happen EVERY time under a particular set of conditions. Example: Law of gravity …what goes up will come down…(happens every time)

Scientific Theory A well-tested idea that explains and connects a wide range of observations. Can be changed because of new evidence Example: My theory is that everyone in this class will get an A+ on their first test