1. Scientific Method and Data
Scientific Inquiry
Scientific Method and Data

2. Scientific Inquiry Science is the pursuit of answers to questions.
Scientists answer questions by designing experiments and gathering data to test a hypothesis.
The process used to find answers is called “Scientific Inquiry” or the “Scientific Method.”

3. Scientific Method: This is a series of steps used by scientists to solve problems. There are many paths that can be taken to solve a problem, here is one possible method:
State the problem  gather information  develop a hypothesis  experiment  collect and interpret data  state a conclusion

4. Hypothesis: This is an educated guess
Hypothesis: This is an educated guess. It is what you expect the outcome of your experiment or the answer to your question to be.
Parts of an Experiment:
Variables: Something that can affect the outcome of an experiment. All variables must be kept the same except for the ONE variable you are testing (The manipulated or independent variable.

5. Manipulated Variable: the one variable that is changed by the experimenter. Also known as the Independent Variable.
Responding Variable: the variable that is expected to change as a result of what you did to the manipulated variable. Also known as the Dependent Variable (it depends on the independent variable).

6. Controlled Experiment
In a plant experiment, what needs to be controlled?
In order for the results of an experiment to be valid or good, all the variables (parts) of an experiment must be kept the same or controlled.
The only thing that can change in the experiment is the one thing you are testing. This is called the “manipulated variable” or independent variable.

7. What needs to be controlled in a plant experiment?
Question: I wonder what plant fertilizer grows the best plants?
Hypothesis: I think Miracle Grow because it’s the most expensive.
Controlled Variables: Amount of water, amount of sunlight, type of plant, type of soil…
Manipulated Variable: Type of fertilizer.

8. Data
Qualitative Data: Brown, Liquid, Warm, Roasted, Rich Aroma
Data are all the facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations and Measurements.
Data can be QUALITATIVE or QUANTITATIVE.
Qualitative Data are all of the observable qualities of your test subject: taste, smell, color – Descriptions.

9. Qualitative Data: There are three cups. The volume of each cup is 12 oz. The coffee temperature is 95 degrees Celsius.
Quantitative Data is any data that involves measurement, a number, or quantity.

11. Why is Data Important?
Data is what you and scientists use to prove or explain the outcome of an experiment. These are the facts that you use in your conclusion.
Your conclusion must use qualitative and/or quantitative data!