SCIENTIFIC METHOD an orderly systemic approach to problem

SCIENTIFIC METHOD ®an orderly & systemic approach to problem solving

STEP 1 a State a PROBLEM or QUESTION ®By observing the world around you, it is possible to see new things and begin to wonder how to explain the events that you see

STEP 1 a Identify the Problem ®develop a clear statement or question defining the problem ®For Example: Why are there worms on the sidewalk after it rains?

STEP 1 b Gathering Information or Research ®learn all that is already known about your problem ®use any resource available to you (ie. books, magazines, experts, internet, etc) ®make observations!!! Note the characteristics of an object/situation

P 2 Form a Testable Hypothesis ®Propose a solution to the problem based on available information ®this is an educated guess or an inference ® For Example: If rain turns into worms, then that’s why worms are on the sidewalk after the rain.

STEP 3 Design an Experiment ®experiments are used to prove (or disprove) a hypothesis ®experiments must be done and explained in a way that they may be repeated!!

STEP 3 Design an Experiment ®experiments parts: contain 2 ®experimental set-up contains variable being tested ®control set-up - same as experimental set-up w/out the variable

Step 3 Experiment Design an ® Variables- a factor that can change in an experiment Manipulated Variable- The one factor that the scientist changes during an experiment; also called the independent variable ® Responding Variable- The factor that may change in response to the manipulated variable; also called the dependent variable ®

STEP 4 Collect & Analyze Data ®information that is observed or measured must be recorded -this is data ®observations require detailed descriptions ®measured data is most often recorded in data tables & graphs ®used to compare/contrast info

STEP 5 Draw Conclusions ®Can you make predictions based on the data and your hypothesis? ®Does the data support the hypothesis?

STEP 5 Draw Conclusions ®Does the data refute the hypothesis? ®If so, do you need to change the hypothesis or throw it out and start over? ®Does the answer to your problem present any new questions/problems?

Step 6 Communicate Your Results ® Publishing your results enables others to review your work. What good is new information if only you know it? ® Examples: A paper for class, an article in a newspaper or magazine, etc

Scientific Theory ®A well tested explanation of something that occurs ®a wide range of observations or experimental results goes into a theory ® This is NOT a fact. It has just not been proven wrong. There is still the possibility it could be. ® Examples: Evolution, Relativity

Scientific law ®A rule describing a consistent pattern in Nature. It happens every time, all the time. ® Examples: Gravity, Thermodynamics, Motion ® Scientific Method Song