2. The Scientific Method Also called The Experimental Method
Is used in everyday life as well as in science
There are six steps involved:
Observation
Research
Hypothesis/Prediction
Experiment
Organize/Analyze Results
Form a Conclusion

3. Step 1 Observation (of a problem)
Information gathered through the Senses
Taste
Sight
Hearing
Smell
Touch
Curiosity and imagination are also important for expanding knowledge.

4. Observation Senses can be extended through tools
Some observations must be made indirectly
Observations can take many forms, including descriptions, drawings, photographs, and measurements.

5. Step 2 Research Find out what is already known about the problem
through your own observations
through observations of others

6. Step 3 Hypothesis/Prediction
Hypothesis – a general statement offering an explanation for an observed problem
is based on research
must be testable
followed by a prediction
Prediction – meant to explain what will happen in a specific situation if the hypothesis is correct
is based on the hypothesis

7. Step 4 Experiment A good experiment:
Tests only one Variable - A variable is a factor of interest that can change the outcome of an experiment
Has both a control group (the group in the experiment that serves as a standards of comparison with another group to which the control group is identical except for one factor.) and an experimental group (the group in the experiment that is identical to the control group except for one factor and is compared with controls group.)

8. Step 5 Organize/Analyze
Data collected from the experiment must first be organized
Graphs are often used to show lots of information very quickly and to show trends in data.
Bar Graph
A well constructed bar or line graph should have:
A title
A label on X & Y axis
A Key
Is this graph missing any of those things?

9. Step 5 Organize/Analyze (cont.)
Graphs are often used to show lots of information very quickly
Pie Charts are different because they show a total percentage
Percentages must add up to equal 100
Month
Line Graphs
& Pie Charts

10. Based on data collected, was the hypothesis correct.
Step 6 Form a Conclusion
Based on data collected, was the hypothesis correct.
It is important to PUBLISH your results so that other people can learn from you

11. Correlation Method
Correlation is the linear dependence between two variables.
In situations when experimentation is impossible or immoral, the correlation method is used to show reliable associations between two or more events.
For Example: This method was used to help scientists investigate why the settlers at Roanake Island all died and why many died at the Jamestown Colony. By showing the relationship between rainfall and tree ring growth, a correlation could be made showing years of drought and population decline.
Although correlation studies are useful, they do not necessarily prove cause-and-effect relationships between two variables.

12. Edward Jenner

17. Rainfall in Prattville, Alabama Jan Feb Mar April May June 2006 4 5 3
Numbers represented in inches
Jan
Feb
Mar
April
May
June
2006 4 5 3 7 2
2007 1
Total 8 11 6
Remember: When creating a pie chart, you will use the total percentage.