Transcript Scientific Investigations

Scientific Investigations
A scientific method is a planned,
organized approach to solving a
problem.
The Nature of Scientific
Investigations
Ask a Question
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Good questions come from careful observations.
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Questions beginning with what, why, how, and when
are very important.
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This is also called Purpose at times.
Research
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Gather information to your question.
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Design a test; identify and define the
variables.
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Document all information.
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Do Not rely on one source.
The Nature of Scientific
Investigations
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Once the problem is defined and research is
complete, a hypothesis, or suggested
explanation for an observation, is made.
Hypothesis
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Determine what you can change.
Turn the question into a statement that explains
what you are changing and what you think the
effect(s) of the change will be.
Write in an “IF…then…” format; the If is the
change made or manipulated, and the Then
(responding) portion tells the effects of the
change.
Experiment or Test
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Select a sample.
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Determine how the variables will be
controlled and measured.
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Conduct the experiment and observe.
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Record the results.
The Nature of Scientific
Investigations
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A hypothesis is tested by conducting an experiment
A good scientific experiment tests only one
variable, or changeable factor, at a time.
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The independent variable in an experiment is the
factor that is manipulated by the experimenter.
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A dependent variable is a factor that can change if
the independent variable is changed.
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A control is used to show that the results of an
experiment are a result of the condition being tested.
A constant is a factor that does not change.
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Analyze Data
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Organize the data using graphs, tables, and
charts.
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Look for trends in the data.
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Compare the data with the hypothesis and the
prediction.
Conclusion
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Describe the results and explain what they
mean.
Describe major findings, and cite reasons for
the findings.
Describe how the data supported ,or did not
support your hypothesis.
Make recommendations for improving the
experiment, and what needs to be investigated
father.
Share the Info / Communicate
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Complete a report on your findings.
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Be able to orally let others know what you
have learned.
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Others may want to do this project.
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Your report may lead to another question,
possibly another investigation.