SCIENCE There is a method to the madness!!
SCIENTIFIC METHOD State the Problem State the Problem Gather Information Gather Information Form a Hypothesis Form a Hypothesis Perform an Experiment Perform an Experiment Analyze Data Analyze Data Draw Conclusions Draw Conclusions Hypothesis Not Supported Hypothesis Supported Revise Hypothesis Repeat Several Times
State The Problem The first step in a scientific method is to state the problem. EX: Are boys or girls faster at completing multiplication problems?
Gather Information Make observations and gather all information (communicating, measuring, inferring)
Form a Hypothesis A hypothesis is a prediction that can be tested. It is a possible explanation about an event. EX: Based on her experience and observations, the Dr. hypothesizes that you have strep throat. A hypothesis always must be something you can test
Perform an Experiment Next perform an experiment to test your hypothesis. You need a procedure (steps to carry out experiment) & materials.
Analyze Data Analyze Data Record results during the experiment in a data table or experiment log. The data should then be organized into graphs or charts for easier analysis. There are 2 types of data: Quantitative: a type of data has precise measurements with units. Example: 5mL or 10cm Qualitative: a type of data that is based on descriptors. Does not include precise measurements. Example: foam present or foam not present
Draw Conclusions Then you use your data to come up with a logical answer. Based on data gathered, you then want to ACCEPT, or REJECT your hypothesis.
SCIENTIFIC METHOD State the Problem State the Problem Gather Information Gather Information Form a Hypothesis Form a Hypothesis Perform an Experiment Perform an Experiment Analyze Data Analyze Data Draw Conclusions Draw Conclusions Hypothesis Not Supported Hypothesis Supported Revise Hypothesis Repeat Several Times
What next? What happens next if the hypothesis is correct??? 1. Develop a theory Theory: an explanation of things or events that are based on scientific knowledge, collected data, experiments, and many hours of observation. Ex. Cell Theory **Many experiments are performed to test the hypothesis and if the results ALWAYS support it, then it becomes a theory 2. Scientific Law Law: a statement about how things work in nature that seem to be true all the time Ex. Universal laws of Gravitation
Why should the results of an experiment be published or shared?
REPORT YOUR RESULTS Now you want to put your experiment in a lab report. You want to write a FORMAL Lab Report so that it can be reproduced exactly by anyone wishing to do so.
So other scientists will know about the results of the experiment and can verify them, or use them to develop new hypothesis.