Scientific Method

Steps in the Scientific Method 1. Make Observation. 2. Ask Question. 3. Make a hypothesis. 4. Test your hypothesis. 5. Analyze the results. 6. Draw conclusions. (infer!)

Experimental Design Who has ever done a science fair experiment? What are the important parts? Control group Experimental group Variables Independent Dependent

Experimental Design Control group, what is it? The group that remains constant, unchanged It is the STANDARD that the experimental groups are compared to Experimental group, what is it? The group that has some changed variable

Experiments Hypothesis: If Miracle Gro is added to bean plants, then they will grow taller. 2 groups Bean plants without Miracle Gro Bean plants fed with Miracle Gro Which is the control group? Which is the experimental group? - CONTROL - EXPERIMENTAL

Experiments Variables Independent The variable that YOU CHANGE or MANIPULATE Do you guys and girls still “IM” each other? Dependent The variable that you OBSERVE. It RESPONDS/REACTS. Dr Why is it a good idea to only change ONE variable during an experiment???

Constants Things that should remain the same throughout the experiment. Bean Plant Type Number of Bean Plants in control and experimental group. Amount of water Amount of Sunlight Think of any others????

Experiments Back to are Miracle Gro experiment… Data: What is the Independent Variable? Adding Miracle Gro What is the Dependant Variable? plant height ControlExperimental Day 14.0 cm7.5 cm Day 25.0 cm8.0 cm Day 35.5 cm9.0 cm

When Graphing IV – on X axis DV – on Y axis Title: The Effects of the IV on the DV OR The Relationship between the IV and the DV OR DV vs. IV

Another Example Hypothesis: If popcorn kernels are stored in the freezer, then all the kernels will pop. Control Group? Experimental Group? Constants?

Independent Variable? Dependent Variable? Which is on the X axis? Y axis? How do you title graph?