1. The Scientific Method
C1L1CP1
How do scientists work?

2. I will know the parts of an experiment and be able to use them.
Objectives
I will be able to list and describe the steps of the scientific method.
I will know the parts of an experiment and be able to use them.
I will be able to apply the scientific method to science problems.
I will be able to design a controlled scientific experiment.

3. How does the process of scientific investigation work?
Science begins
with an observation.
This is the process of gathering information about events or processes in a careful, orderly way.

4. How does the process of scientific investigation work?
Scientists use a series of procedures called the scientific method (also referred to as scientific inquiry).

5. an organized way of finding a workable solution to a problem
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
an organized way of finding a workable solution to a problem

6. Steps of the Scientific Method
Define the problem (Question)
Form a hypothesis
Test the hypothesis
Classify and analyze the data
Choose and verify the answer (conclusion)
Communicate results

7. (1) Define the problem
This process often begins with a problem or question about an observation.

8. Questions
Questions come from experiences that you have and from observations and inferences that you make.

9. Some questions cannot be investigated by science.
Does my dog eat more food than my cat?
Which makes a better pet – a cat or a dog?

10. (1) Define the problem
problem: a question that may be answered by the use of the scientific method
The problem must be observable, measureable, and repeatable.
Background research
Limit or define the problem

11. (2) Form a hypothesis
hypothesis: a simple, testable statement about the answer to a problem; a possible solution; an educated guess (a prediction that can be tested)

12. (3) Test the Hypothesis
A scientist will then gather evidence that will either support or disprove the hypothesis.
This is done one of two ways:
• by conducting an experiment
• by conducting a survey

13. (3) Test the Hypothesis This information (evidence) is called data.
data: pieces of information; the information gathered from making observations.
(facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations)
Data must be measured
and recorded accurately.

14. Types of Data
Quantitative data are:
numbers - obtained by counting or measuring.
Qualitative data are:
descriptions and involve characteristics that cannot be counted.

15. What’s in an Experiment?
Independent variable
dependent variable
constants
Control group & Experimental group

16. Example Experiment
You wonder if using miracle grow on a plant really causes it to grow better.

17. Variables are factors or conditions that can vary.

18. Controlled Experiment
In a controlled experiment, you try to control all the variables of two or more groups.

19. Independent Variable
a factor that affects the result of an experiment (also known as experimental variable or manipulated variable)

20. Dependent Variable
The dependent variable is the one observed during the experiment. The dependent variable is the data we collect during the experiment.

21. Examples of the two types of variables:
Independent Variable
Dependent Variable
Hours Worked
Amount of Money Earned
Total Calories Consumed
Total Weight Gain
Number of Assignments Completed
Homework Grade

23. Examples of variables:

24. Example Experiment
You would set up a control group and an experimental group to perform the experiment and gather data.

25. Types of Groups in a Controlled Experiment
Experimental
Control

26. the group that is exposed to the Independent variable
Experimental Group
the group that is exposed to the Independent variable
The experimental group shows the effect of the variable that is being tested.

27. Control Group
the group, in an experiment, that is not exposed to the Independent variable
A control is the standard to which the outcome of a test is compared.
The control group serves as the comparison. It is the same as the experiment group, except that the one variable that is being tested is removed.

28. Survey
a set of observations that are made to determine what is a common practice in a particular area

29. (4) Classify and analyze the data
classify: arranging data so relationships can be seen

30. Classify
often involves grouping or sorting the data (making a chart or table) which makes answers easier to find
Graphs can reveal patterns or trends in data.

31. (4) Classify and analyze the data
analyzing: determining whether a set of data supports a hypothesis

32. (5) Choose and Verify the Answer (conclusion)
Once an answer is chosen, it must be verified.

33. How do you verify the answer?
By gathering additional data through experiments or surveys.
The more data that is found to support the answer, the more likely it is that the answer is valid.

34. Proving vs Verifying
Proving and verifying are NOT the same. A scientist can never completely prove an answer.
Why? Because it is based on observations done by humans who make mistakes.

35. A workable answer is one that can be used.
Predict outcomes
A workable answer is one that can be used.