The Scientific Method

What is the scientific method?  The 'tool' that scientists use to find the answers to questions  It allows scientists to solve complicated problems by taking a series of smaller steps

The Steps to the Scientific Method: A. Identify a Problem B. Do Background Research C. Construct an Hypothesis D. Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment E. Analyze Your Data F. Draw a Conclusion

A. Problem  1. Should be in question form

B. Research  1. Use only trusted websites

C. Hypothesis  1. Definition = educated guess  2. Should be in statement form (use “if…then”)

D. Investigate / Experiment  1. Perform the experiment, gather the data, and make observations

1. Perform the experiment, gather the data, and make observations a) Variable – Any factor/condition that can affect the outcome of an experiment b) Experimental Group – the group that you experiment with c) Control Group/Variable – the group/variable that stays the same

1. Perform the experiment, gather the data, and make observations d) Independent (Manipulated) Variable – The condition that is manipulated, or changed, by the scientist e) Dependent (Responding) Variable – The condition that responds to the change (it’s what you measure or data you collect!)

E. Interpret / Analyze the Data  1. Definition = explain the data and observations (might use graphs & tables)

F. Conclusion  1. Should answer the problem

But Where does a scientist begin?

Mapping the Scientific Method

Designing an Effective Experiment A. Reduce the number of variables  1 is ideal, but a small number is necessary B. Create a control group C. Include a large number of test subjects (sample size) D. Results must be reproducible