Transcript Scientific Method

Scientific Method
The Scientific Method is a series
of steps that are used to
investigate or solve a problem
Steps of the Scientific method
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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
• Problem/Question: Develop a
question or problem that can be
solved through experimentation.
A problem statement compares
variables.
What are Variables???
• A variable is something that
changes.
There are dependent variables and
independent variables
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.
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.
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.
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.
• 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
• Formulate a Hypothesis:
Predict a possible answer
to the problem or question
(an educated guess).
• Test the hypothesis/Design
and conduct experiment:
Develop and follow a procedure.
Include a detailed materials list.
The outcome must be
measurable (quantifiable).
• 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
Observatin vs Inference
• Observation
• Inference
Observation vs Inference
• Observation
• Inference
• Analyze and report data
and results:
Look carefully at the results
to see what you can derive
from them.
• Conclusion: A statement that
presents the findings of the
experiment and what the data
shows. It states if the
hypothesis was correct or
incorrect.