1. In-Depth Look at Scientific Method

2. IA. How do scientists make observations?
Using our?
senses

3. 1A. Make observations by using
tools

4. II Identify the problem
Write the problem in:
A. Question form
Ex. Does a plant grow in a closet?

5. Formulate a Hypothesis An educated guess
A. Based on: observations
B. Written in an “if/then” format
Ex: If I grow a plant in a closet, then….

6. IIIC. To be able to perform an experiment, it must be
Testable
A lab experiment that can yield an answer

7. Examples: Can you test how far you can run on Mars?________
Testable?_____
Can you test how fast you can run a mile?_______
Testable?_______

8. D. After a hypothesis is shown to be reliable, it is considered to be:
A theory

9. E. A factual hypothesis over time can become a…..
Law =
A scientific truth that cannot change
Law of the cell
Cells are the basic building block of life

10. F. This differs from a…. Theory =
Proposed explanation of many experiments
Not definite
Can be changed
Ex. Theory of Evolution

11. IV. Design and Carry Out Experiment
A. Control Group
The experiment performed with no changes – what you normally see
Example: a plant growing in the window

12. B. Experimental Group/Variable
One change to the experiment
Example: putting the plant in the closet
Same amount of soil, water, plant

13. C. Variable Any possible change to the experiment
Putting plants in closet Vs window

14. D. Independent Variable
Same as experimental group
Changing one thing
Ex. Putting the plant in the closet
Graphed on the X axis

15. D. Dependent Variable What you are measuring – end result
Growth of plant in centimeters
Graphed on Y axis

16. V. Collect and Analyze data
Collection of facts

17. Quantitative Observations
# of something
Ex.
# of teeth? 32

18. Qualitative Observations
Physical feature
Ex:
“red” Gatorade

19. VI. A. Draw Conclusions A. Prove or disprove hypothesis? B. Why???
Need data!!!
C. Ex. The plant in the window grew 4 inches and the plant in the closet grew 2 inches.

20. Form a new hypothesis if…
Hypothesis is incorrect
Do experiment again
Said that plant in closet would grow more – didn’t