1. Scientific Method
A series of problem solving procedures used by scientists to answer questions

3. 6 Basic Steps

4. 1. Observe and identify a problem
Gather information using your senses and examine prior research

5. Propose an answer for a scientific question
2. Form a Hypothesis
Propose an answer for a scientific question

6. 3. Design & Conduct an Experiment
Collect data to support or reject the hypothesis

7. 4. Analyze Data (2 Types of Data)
Qualitative: Description in words of what is being observed (ex. color, odor, texture, etc.)
Quantitative: numeric measurements (ex. mass, time, volume, etc.)

8. Do your results support or reject your hypothesis? Why?
5. Evaluate Results
Do your results support or reject your hypothesis? Why?

9. 6. Repeat the experiment or test an alternative hypothesis

11. Scientific Method Part II
*Handout
Parts of an Experiment

12. Example
Does the amount of water used to water a plant affect how tall the plant will grow?

13. EXPERIMENT
Independent variable
Dependent Variable
Constants

14. A condition that is manipulated or changed
Independent Variable
A condition that is manipulated or changed
Example – amount of water

15. The data that is collected through observation and measurement
Dependent Variable
The data that is collected through observation and measurement
Example – height of plant

16. The conditions that do not change during the experiment
Constants
The conditions that do not change during the experiment
Example – type of plant, amount of sunlight, location of plant, etc.

17. Experimental Group vs. Control Group

18. The group exposed to the independent variable of the experiment
Experimental Group
The group exposed to the independent variable of the experiment

19. Control Group
A group that is not exposed to the independent variable of the experiment.
Note: not all experiments require a control group!
ex. Comparing brands of paper towels

20. Experiment: A biologist gives a new kind of food to a group of dogs and compares the weight gain of these dogs over time to a group of similar dogs that do not receive the new food
What is the…
Experimental Group:
Control Group:
Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:

21. Experiment: Scientists have created a new shoe with springs on the bottom that they believe will allow people to run faster. One group was given the new shoe, while the other was given identical shoes without springs. Both groups of people (who were all physically fit) were asked to run a 100m sprint.
What is the…
Experimental Group:
Control Group:
Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:

22. Create your own Scenario
Each group will work together to create a scenario that includes:
Experimental Group
Control Group
Independent Variable
Dependent Variable
*Do not indicate the answers because another group will be filling that part out!