Scientific Method The Process of Gathering Information The

Scientific Method The Process of Gathering Information

The Process • All Scientists use a 5 step process in order to gather information called the Scientific Method.

Step 1 • State the Problem or Purpose • (or Ask the Question) • Usually in the form of a question Gather information about the Problem Sometimes called Research

Observation v Observations produce Inferences

Inferences • Based on your observations • You may be tempted to conclude that something “causes” something to happen • But you are never sure. • Remember that not everything can be observed. • You may need to test to be sure. • Definition- a possible explanation that is based on an observation you have made.

Step 2 • Form a Hypothesis – An educated guess as to “why” something will happen in an experiment. – Usually in the form of an “If”, “Then”, “because” statement. – Forms the basis of a testable experiment.

Prediction • An educated guess about what will happen during an experiment. • Usually in an “If”, “then” statement

Step 3 • Experiment • Test the hypothesis

1. Experimental Group- The group in the experiment that is receiving the experimental treatment • Used to compare the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable in the experimental group.

1. Control Group- (often called the control) the group in an experiment that does not have the “experimental treatment”. • It does not contain what is being tested

Variables • A variable is any factor, trait, or condition that can exist in an experiment. • Things that can be changed. • 3 types – Controlled – Independent – Dependent

Control • The variables that are the same in both the control group and the experimental group. see control group

Independent Variable • The 1 thing that is changed by the scientist. • I is for “I change” • What you are testing the effect of… – The fertilizer in the tomato plant analogy

Dependent variable • What is being measured in the experiment. • D is for “Data Measured” – The size of the tomato in the tomato plant analogy

Step 4 • Data –Information gathered in the experiment • Collect Results from the experiment

Step 5 • Analysis and Conclusion • What does the data tell you. • In the conclusion you determine, based on your results, if your hypothesis is true or false.

Repeat Your Work • Repeating all the 5 steps of the Scientific Method to see if you come up with the same results. • In order for a hypothesis to be accepted as fact, good scientist will repeat their experiment many times (100’s of time)

Summary of Scientific Method • • • 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. State the Problem, ask a Question Hypothesis Experiment Data Analysis/Conclusion