Scientific Inquiry How to Use The Scientific Method

Simple Ideas Lead to Scientific Discovery ideas-lead-to-scientific-discoveries ideas-lead-to-scientific-discoveries

Scientific Method A blueprint for experiment success.

What is the scientific method? It is a simple method scientists use to conduct an investigation. It is a way to ask & answer scientific questions by asking questions & conducting experiments.

I. Question/Problem Ask a question about something observed. –Why? –How? –What? Question to be solved. Must be about something measurable.

II. Research/Collect Information Gather information by making observations Conduct research using creditable sources

III. Hypothesis Educated guess about how things work. Prediction Use If, then statements –If ____ [I do this], then _____ [this will happen] Focus on one variable only.

IV. Experiment - overview Design a fair experiment that tests your hypothesis Determine variables: –Independent (aka manipulated) variable: what is being tested –Dependent (aka responding) variable: what is being measured

Experiment (con’t) – variable examples A scientist studies the impact of a drug on cancer. The independent variable is the administration of the drug. The dependent variable is the impact the drug has on cancer. A scientist studies the impact of withholding affection on rats. The independent variable is the affection. The dependent variable is the reaction of the rats. A scientist studies how many days people can eat soup until they get sick. The independent variable is the number of days of consuming soup. The dependent variable is the onset of illness.

Experiment (con’t) - accuracy Change only one variable at a time. Record observations, not inferences –Observations are made using tools or senses –Inferences are assumptions based on those observations Use a control or control group –This is a group that has nothing done to it; it serves as a standard used for comparison in an experiment. In order for results to be valid, conduct several tests.

Experiment (con’t) – recording data Record your data in a data table. –Numerical (quantitative) data should be organized in rows and columns –The variables must be included and clearly labeled –List the number of trials

V. Data Analysis Reduce (analyze) the data –Determine average (if applicable) –Create graphs –Look for patterns or relationships

VI. Conclusion Include a summary of your experiment. State if your hypothesis was accepted or rejected and explain why. If hypothesis is rejected, give possible reasons for the difference between your hypothesis and the experimental results. Suggest further research (if possible)