The Scientific Method DescriptionSteps Lab terms & processes

What is the scientific method? A process used to gain information or “solve” a problem scientifically A process used to gain information or “solve” a problem scientifically A way to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments A way to ask and answer scientific questions by making observations and doing experiments

The Steps: Ask a Question Ask a Question Do Background Research Do Background Research Construct a Hypothesis Construct a Hypothesis Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion Communicate Your Results Communicate Your Results

1. Ask a question Ask a question about something that you observe Ask a question about something that you observe it must be about something that you can measure, preferably with a number it must be about something that you can measure, preferably with a number Use the format: “To what extent will the independent variable affect the dependent variable?” Use the format: “To what extent will the independent variable affect the dependent variable?”

2. Research the topic Do background research on the topic you will be testing Can be written as an introductory paragraph to the lab

3. Form a hypothesis Predict the outcome of the experiment, an educated guess Predict the outcome of the experiment, an educated guess Must be a testable statement Must be a testable statement Use “If…then” format Use “If…then” format

4. Design and Perform the experiment Identify the variables and constants of the lab Identify the variables and constants of the lab Manipulate one variable at a time (independent variable) Manipulate one variable at a time (independent variable) Plan to measure the result of the change in independent variable (dependent variable) Plan to measure the result of the change in independent variable (dependent variable) Keep many factors the same (constant) Keep many factors the same (constant) Design and carry out (numbered) step-by-step procedure to test the hypothesis Design and carry out (numbered) step-by-step procedure to test the hypothesis Plan to record both qualitative and quantitative observations Plan to record both qualitative and quantitative observations

5. Analyze Data to Draw Conclusions Create charts of observations for analysis Create graphs for comparisons Use mathematical processes where useful (ex: averages, outliers)

6. Communicate findings in the Conclusion Write the conclusion in paragraphs Write the conclusion in paragraphs Answer these questions: Answer these questions: Answer your research question or problem Answer your research question or problem Include actual data to explain your findings Include actual data to explain your findings Is the hypothesis supported, refuted or inconclusive? Is the hypothesis supported, refuted or inconclusive? Discuss the validity of your experiment: were there any errors? How much do they impact your results? Discuss the validity of your experiment: were there any errors? How much do they impact your results? What could have improved in this experiment? What future questions do you now have? What could have improved in this experiment? What future questions do you now have?

Lab Term (review…?) Independent variable Dependent variable Constants Control Qualitative observations Quantitative observations Hypothesis

Independent Variable (IV) AKA the “manipulated” variable AKA the “manipulated” variable The factor being changed on purpose The factor being changed on purpose Paper airplane Paper airplaneExample: We want to determine if the weight of a paper airplane will affect how far it travels when thrown. What is the IV?

Dependent Variable (DV) AKA the “responding” variable AKA the “responding” variable The factor predicted to change as a result of the change in IV The factor predicted to change as a result of the change in IV What is being measured What is being measured Paper Airplane Ex: Paper Airplane Ex: What is the dependent What is the dependent variable? variable?

Constant: Factors that remain the same in the experiment Factors that remain the same in the experiment Keep many other factors that could affect the experiment’s result the same Keep many other factors that could affect the experiment’s result the same Ex: what would need to be kept constant in the paper airplane experiment? Ex: what would need to be kept constant in the paper airplane experiment?

Control: The standard for comparing the experimental results The standard for comparing the experimental results The “normal” version of the experiment The “normal” version of the experiment

Qualitative Observations: Information gathered that includes verbal descriptions not using a standard scale Information gathered that includes verbal descriptions not using a standard scale Explanation of what is seen, heard, felt, smelled and/or tasted Explanation of what is seen, heard, felt, smelled and/or tasted

Quantitative Observations: Information gathered that involves measurements taken using numbers and standard scales Information gathered that involves measurements taken using numbers and standard scales