1. Scientific Method
The Scientific Method is a series of steps that are used to investigate or solve a problem

2. Steps of the Scientific method
Identify the Problem
Research the problem
Form a Hypothesis
Test the hypothesis (design and conduct an experiment)
Observe and record data
Analyze and report data
Draw a conclusion

3. Problem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation.
A problem statement compares variables.

4. A variable is something that changes.
What are Variables???
A variable is something that changes.
There are dependent variables and independent variables

5. Independent Variable
The independent, or manipulated variable, is a factor that’s intentionally varied by the experimenter
Example: Does the drop height effect the bounce height of a bouncy ball.
We know the drop heights we will use to test this. The experimenter will change this.

6. Dependent Variable
The dependent, or responding variable, is the variable that may change as a result of changes made in the independent variable. The variable we are trying to find out.
Example: Does the drop height effect the bounce height of a bouncy ball.
We do not know the bounce height when we start. It will change as the drop height is changed.

7. Control Group
In a scientific experiment, the control is the group that serves as the standard of comparison.
The control group may be a “no treatment" or an “experimenter selected” group.
The control group is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group, except for the variable being tested.
All experiments should have a control group.

8. Constants
The constants in an experiment are all the factors that the experimenter attempts to keep the same.
keep all other factors the same so that any observed changes attributed to the variation in the independent variable.

9. Research: Research your topic of interest.
Computer/internet
Books, magazines, dictionaries, etc
Previous research reports
People with insight, education, or experience related to your problem

10. Formulate a Hypothesis:
Predict a possible answer
to the problem or question (an educated guess).

11. Test the hypothesis/Design
and conduct experiment:
Develop and follow a procedure.
Include a detailed materials list.
The outcome must be
measurable (quantifiable).

12. Observe and record data:
An observation is a provable
fact. Use the five senses to
gather information/data.
Record data in tables, charts,
graphs, etc.
An inference is an opinion
based on observed facts

13. Observatin vs Inference
Observation
Inference

14. Observation vs Inference

15. Analyze and report data
and results:
Look carefully at the results
to see what you can derive
from them.

16. Conclusion: A statement that
presents the findings of the
experiment and what the data
shows. It states if the
hypothesis was correct or
incorrect.