1. The Scientific Method

2. 1. Posing A Question
Some discoveries happen by chance but the standard is for a scientist to begin with forming a question.
The more limited the question, the easier it is to set up an experiment to answer it.

3. 2. Form a Hypothesis
Before you can write your hypothesis, you need to identify the variables in your question.
Independent variable: The factor you want to test. It is changed by the investigator to observe how it affects the dependent variable.
Dependent variable: The factor you measure or observe during an experiment.
Variable Worksheet

4. Hypothesis continued:
Take an educated guess, hypothesis, about the answer to the problem or question.
A hypothesis uses your prior knowledge and observations to predict what will happen and why.

5. Steps for Writing a Hypothesis
Identify independent and dependent variables
Will one variable affect the other?
Write the hypothesis using the following format:
If the [independent variable] increases or decreases, then the [dependent variable] increases or decreases.
Writing Hypothesis Worksheet

6. 3. Doing The Test Constants: The factors that remain the same
To test how the independent variable affects the dependent variable, you need to keep all other factors the same for each test.
Constants: The factors that remain the same
Without constants two independent variables could change at the same time and you won’t know which variable affected the dependent variable.
Three Kinds of Variables Worksheet

7. Making Observations
Qualitative Observations: Use your 5 senses to describe what is happening.
Quantitative Observations: Use measurements (numbers) to describe what is happening.
Confection Connection Worksheet
Penny Observation Worksheet

8. 4. Record The Data
Reporting of the data should state specifics of how the measurements were calculated.
Data tables organize information quickly and easily
Independent variable on the left, dependent on the right
Graphing Data: Graphing takes numbers and shows patterns that you might not notice.

9. Graphing-Types of Graphs
Bar Graph- used for comparing data quickly and easily; data is in distinct categories
Line- looking at trends/changes over a period of time
Pie- used for showing percentages

10. Graphing Requirements
Use a RULER
Title-must be descriptive
Label your axes with the variables and their units:
X-Axis-independent variable
Y-Axis-dependent variable
Use EQUAL increments-the separation of numbers and squares must be equal
Graphing Packet

11. 5. Conclusions Describe trends you see in the data.
Compare the results to your hypothesis.
Make inferences-use evidence in your results to support your conclusion
Thinking Map