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The Scientific Method
Definition: series of steps used to solve a
problem.
Used by: scientists, doctors, detectives,
auto repair technicians
Step 1: Identify the Problem
State as a question.
Ex. What is the effect of 1 minute of exercise
on the heart rate?
Step 2: Research & Observation
Background information
Step 3: Form a Hypothesis
● “educated guess” that answers the problem
question
● Must be testable!!
● If ______, then______.
● Ex. If a person exercises for one minute,
then the heart rate will increase.
Step 4: Conduct an Experiment
● Test your hypothesis
● Parts of an Experiment:
o
o
o
Control -- “normal” or “before” conditions. Used for
comparison
Constant(s)-- factors that stay the same
Independent variable - “I change” part of the experiment that is
manipulated or changed
 IV experiment
 X- axis
● .
o
Dependent variable
 Part of the experiment that is measured/counted
or observed
 Produced by IV
 Y - axis
Step 5: Collect & Analyze Data
● Types of Data
o
o
Quantitative = numbers/units
Qualitative = describe characteristics
● Charts/Tables/Graphs
Pie Chart
Trends
Data Table
Line
Bar Graph
comparison
Step 6: Draw Conclusions
●
●
●
●
Answer the problem question
Is the hypothesis supported by the data?
Summarize the data
Additional questions generated by the
experiment.