1. The Scientific Method Chapter 1 Section 3
Different ways scientists study the natural world

2. Scientific Method
An organized set of investigation procedures used by scientists

3. Ask A Question Come up with a question based on an observation
Scientific questions can be answered by making observations and gathering evidence NOT questions based on opinions, values, or judgments!
Scientific Question or Personal Opinion?
Does a horse or a donkey drink more water each day?
Are pigs or ferrets better pets?
Does a cricket chirp more when it is hot outside?
Will more sugar be dissolved in water if the water temperature is higher?

4. Research Gather some background information before I experiment.
Research online
Read a book
Ask a scientist

5. Form a Hypothesis
An educated guess or testable prediction.
Possible explanation for a scientific question
Must be testable or observable – be able to gather evidence to support or disprove
Multiple trials must be done to prove/disprove
If _____[I do this] _____, then _____[this]_____ will happen." ...

6. Examples:
If the water faucet is opened, then the amount of water flowing will increase. 
If I raise the temperature of a cup of water, then the amount of sugar that can be dissolved in it will be increased.  If

7. Designing an experiment
Only change ONE variable, all others must be controlled
Manipulated variable/independent variable: purposely changed by the experimenter
Responding variable/dependent variable: factor that may change in response to the manipulated/independent variable
Control is what you compare the results
Constants are the factors that do not change in an experiment
Very clear on your writing

8. Examples:
If I raise the temperature of a cup of water, then the amount of sugar that can be dissolved in it will be increased. 
Manipulated/independent variable:
Responding/dependent variable: If

9. Gather and Analyze Data
Data- facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations
Data should be organized in a table or by clear observations
After you collect data you must interpret the data by using a graph
Graphs can reveal patterns and/or trends

10. Drawing Conclusions
Summary of what you have learned by doing this experiment
State if your data supported or disproved your hypothesis

11. Communicating results
Sharing your ideas and findings with others
Writing and/or speaking
Helps others doing similar work

12. Further Research
Include something you would change if you could do it again

13. How science develops
Models- A model is a picture, diagram, computer image,
or other representation of an object or process
Example: solar system

14. Theory vs. Law Scientific Theory-
Explanation based on experiments – most logical explanation.
Future evidence may not support the theory. It may be modified
or discarded.
Ex. Black Hole Theory
Scientific Law-
Rule of nature that sums up related observations to describe
a pattern of nature.
Has been verified over and over again.
Ex. Law of Gravity

15. http://www. phschool. com/webcodes10/index. cfm