1. 1.3 The Scientific Method and Experimental Design
(Mr. Staeger as a young scientist)

2. Key Concepts and Vocabulary
Key Vocabulary:
Inference
Hypothesis
Data
Quantitative Data
Qualitative Data
Independent variable
Dependent variable
Control
Accuracy
Precision
Key Concepts:
How do we learn new things in science?
What are the steps of the scientific method?
What are the variables in an experiment?
What are ways we measure in Science?

3. Science
“Science” is not just a subject - it is a way of obtaining information.
All scientists must work through a logical process in order to reach conclusions.
Scientific method - the logical series of steps scientists use to answer questions.

4. Steps in the Scientific Method
Observation:
Using one of the five senses – which are?
Must be facts, not inferences or opinions.
What is an inference?

5. Steps in the Scientific Method
Form a Question:
Use observations to develop a question or problem you want to answer.

6. Steps in the Scientific Method
Hypothesis:
A possible explanation that can be tested through experimentation.
If - then - because statement
Write an example below:

7. Steps in the Scientific Method
Experiment:
Design a procedure that can test your hypothesis
Record measurements and other observations - data
Types of data:
Quantitative -
Qualitative -

8. Steps in the Scientific Method
Analyze Data:
Determine whether data supports or refutes your hypothesis
Graphing results
Ways to analyze numerical data:
Mean –
Median –
Mode –

9. Steps in the Scientific Method
Conclusion:
Write up the results of the experiment and state the findings to your question or problem.
Report any mistakes or errors that occurred in the experiment

10. Experimental Setup Variable – factor that is changed in experiments
Independent variable – the variable purposely changed by the experimenter
Dependent variable – the variable that responds to the change (what happens)
Control – group without a variable that is used as a comparison

11. Experimental Design Diagram
IV:
Levels of the IV:
Repeated Trials:
DV:
Constants:

12. Experimental Design
Lisa and Terri are demolition experts trying to figure out which explosive works best on concrete blocks. They currently use normal dynamite on everything. They want to find out if the explosive C4, HBX, Minol-2, or normal dynamite works best. They explode 5 concrete blocks with each of the explosives and measure to see how far the debris travels.

13. Experimental Design Diagram
IV:
Levels of the IV:
Repeated Trials:
DV:
Constants:

14. Scientific Measurements
Accuracy – making correct, exact measurements
Precision – making repeated consistent measurements
Draw dartboards that show accuracy and precision

15. Experimental Design Diagram
IV:
Levels of the IV:
Repeated Trials:
DV:
Constants:

16. Experimental Design Diagram
IV:
Levels of the IV:
Repeated Trials:
DV:
Constants:

17. Experimental Design Diagram
IV:
Levels of the IV:
Repeated Trials:
DV:
Constants:

18. Experimental Design Diagram
IV:
Levels of the IV:
Repeated Trials:
DV:
Constants: