Scientific Method

Scientific Method – The way we approach questions In science the way in which questions are asked and address follows a set of steps. In science the way in which questions are asked and address follows a set of steps. These steps are what are known as the Scientific Method. These steps are what are known as the Scientific Method. The steps involved follow a specific order.

Step 1: Observe and ask Questions The scientific method starts with an observation about the natural world. The scientific method starts with an observation about the natural world. Some aspect or event might stimulate you to ask a question. Some aspect or event might stimulate you to ask a question.

Example You come across two fields of snapdragons (plants). 1 has red flowers the other has white. You come across two fields of snapdragons (plants). 1 has red flowers the other has white. You ask the question: You ask the question:

Step 2: Observe and Research The next step of the scientific method is to learn as much as you can about your topic! The next step of the scientific method is to learn as much as you can about your topic! You need as much information as possible so that you can make informed decisions. You need as much information as possible so that you can make informed decisions.

Example You would begin to learn about the two fields: You would begin to learn about the two fields: You would research Snapdragons: You would research Snapdragons:

Step 3: Create a Hypothesis Once you have your information gathered and you’ve read up on your subject you can now address your original question. Once you have your information gathered and you’ve read up on your subject you can now address your original question. The correct method is to make an educated guess to the answer of your question. The correct method is to make an educated guess to the answer of your question.

Example You make have learned in your studies that soil pH can cause flowers of the same species to bloom in different colors. You make have learned in your studies that soil pH can cause flowers of the same species to bloom in different colors. What’s a good hypothesis then? What’s a good hypothesis then?

Step 4: Design an experiment With the hypothesis in mind an experiment must be designed to address our hypothesis. With the hypothesis in mind an experiment must be designed to address our hypothesis. We must create a way to see if our educated guess is right or wrong. We must create a way to see if our educated guess is right or wrong.

Experiment An experiment has a number of rules that must be followed. An experiment has a number of rules that must be followed. Almost anything can influence the outcome of an experiment, we call all these things variables. Almost anything can influence the outcome of an experiment, we call all these things variables.

Variables To have a successful experiment there must be a lot of control. To have a successful experiment there must be a lot of control. Most of these variables are set a specific value and kept that way the entire time the experiment runs.  control variables. Most of these variables are set a specific value and kept that way the entire time the experiment runs.  control variables. Usually only 1 variable is changed by the scientist  independent variable. Usually only 1 variable is changed by the scientist  independent variable. One variable is measured, this is this variable we are looking at/measuring  dependant variable. One variable is measured, this is this variable we are looking at/measuring  dependant variable.

Example Make a list of the variables that can influence our scientific topic. Make a list of the variables that can influence our scientific topic. Which will we manipulate? Which will we manipulate? What will we measure? What will we measure? Identify at least 3 control, the 1 independent and the 1 dependant variable. Identify at least 3 control, the 1 independent and the 1 dependant variable.

Example Design our experiment: Design our experiment:

Record Data While the experiment progresses we must record our data. While the experiment progresses we must record our data. With the data we must analyze it and determine its meaning. With the data we must analyze it and determine its meaning.

Data Presentation The data must be presented in a way that makes the most sense. The data must be presented in a way that makes the most sense. Table: Presentation of non-numerical data Table: Presentation of non-numerical data Graph: Presents numerical data and designed to show trends and/or relationships between data. Graph: Presents numerical data and designed to show trends and/or relationships between data. Line Graph Bar Graph

Graphs When Graphing the Dependant Variable is placed on the Y-axis. When Graphing the Dependant Variable is placed on the Y-axis. The dependant variable on the X-axis. The dependant variable on the X-axis. If the data falls in a line there is a trend. If the data falls in a line there is a trend. If the data is scattered everywhere, there is no relationship between variables. If the data is scattered everywhere, there is no relationship between variables.

Example Plant Sample pH Flower Color 13white 25white 37red 49red 511pink 613pink

Step 5: Analyze the Data Once the data has been gathered it is up to the scientist to make a conclusion. Once the data has been gathered it is up to the scientist to make a conclusion. The conclusion is about the hypothesis: was it ACCEPTED or REJECTED. The conclusion is about the hypothesis: was it ACCEPTED or REJECTED. You accept or reject your hypothesis based on the data you gathered. You accept or reject your hypothesis based on the data you gathered.

Example Decide about our hypothesis: Decide about our hypothesis: Why? Why? What does this mean: What does this mean:

Step 6: Repeat Once the experiment is done: Once the experiment is done: Repeat Repeat