The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence.

Observe & Think about Something Form a Problem/Question Formulate a Hypothesis Design & Conduct Experiment Collect Data and Analyze Results Draw a Conclusion

Steps of the Scientific Method Problem/Question 1. Problem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation.

Steps of the Scientific Method You may need to research information about your Problem before developing the next step….

Steps of the Scientific Method Formulate a Hypothesis 2. Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to the problem or question.

Other Parts to the Experimental Design to Think About.

Independent Variable The independent, or manipulated variable, is a factor that’s intentionally controlled by the experimenter. John is going to change the ball’s air pressure to 5 psi, 6 psi, 7psi and 8 psi in his experiment.

Dependent Variable The dependent, or responding variable, is the factor that may change as a result of change made in the independent variable. The height of the bounce of the ball due to air pressure. The height is the DV – 2 meters, 4 meters, 6 meters.

Control Group The control is the group that serves as the standard of comparison. The control group may be a “no treatment" group. The manufacturer’s suggested air pressure for the basketball would be the control group.

Experimental Group The experimental group is the group of objects that receives the treatment or has the independent variables applied to them. The other air pressures applied to the basketball (except for the manufacturers suggested psi).

Constants The constants are all of the OTHER conditions outside of the IV that the experimenter attempts to keep the same for both Experimental & Control Groups.

Design Your Experiment Create an experiment that will produce the most accurate and valid information as possible. Make sure sources are up to date and reputable.

Steps of the Scientific Method Experiment 3. Experiment: Develop and follow a procedure. Include a detailed materials list. The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).

Steps of the Scientific Method 4.) Collect data. Data comes in many different forms. You must find a way to quantify data. In the grass stain removal experiment, stain removal would need to be based on a scale developed that quantifies the amount of stain removed from the clothing. EX: 1 being the least stain removed and 5 being the most stain removed.

Steps of the Scientific Method Analyze Results 5. Analyze Results: Look over the data and try to answer the question posed in the problem with the results. Include tables, graphs, and photographs.

Check for invalid data points. Modify your procedures & retest if necessary.

Steps of the Scientific Method Conclusion 6. Conclusion: Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis. Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure.