The Scientific Method The scientific method is an

The Scientific Method The scientific method is an organized way to solve a problem

Scientific Method Steps 1. Define the problem. 2. Formulate a hypothesis. 3. Testing the hypothesis/ experiment. 4. Record/analyze data. 5. Make a conclusion. 6. Report findings to others so they can repeat the experiment.

The steps of the Scientific Method? 1 -Define the problem (What’s the Question) What are you trying to find out? What just happened? Why does it do that?

Examples of questions: Why do pigeons bob their heads when they walk? Why do leaves turn color in the fall?

2 -Formulate a Hypothesis- A possible explanation for an observation that can be tested.

Hypothesis An educated guess a prediction Use “If”, “then” format We predict that if we drop a ball from a higher height, then it will bounce higher. • “If” is the manipulated variable. • “Then” is the responding variable. • •

3 -Experimentation - Testing the hypothesis - Finding a procedure to either verify or disprove the hypothesis Hypothesis is accepted only when predicted effects are observed and repeatable

Experiment design is critical to make experiment and hypothesis accepted Controlled Experiment- Situation is set up more than once to test your hypothesis • Variable- A single factor in the experiment is changed to see if this has an effect on the results • Control group- One group in the experiment where no change is made. • Constant- Other variables in the experiment that are kept the same

Independent & Dependent Variables B 6 • Independent Variable: A variable that is controlled by the experimenter; the ONLY one over which YOU have direct control. • Dependent Variable: The thing that you measure in the experiment (Ex. Height of plant) • Conventionally the independent variable is plotted on the horizontal axis (also known as the x-axis) and the dependent variable on the vertical axis (or the y-axis)

Example: Hypothesis – The more time a student spends thinking before blurting out, the less time they spend in the Assistant Principals office. Fill in the dependent and independent variables on the axes below: Time in AP office Time spent thinking before speaking

Characteristics of a well designed experiment: • The sample size is large enough to draw a valid conclusion about the hypothesis • Only one significant variable is tested through the experiment. • A control group is present • Conclusions must be based on measurable quantities or clear criteria and not subject to opinion of the observer (bias)

4 - Analyze Data - Looking at data obtained in the experiment(Use graphs, charts, etc. ) - Looking for patterns or relationships

5. Draw Conclusions - Draw a conclusion about your data (Does the data support your hypothesis or not)

6 -Report Observations. Record your data and report in detail your means experimentation and observed results Scientists must report all the details because the experiment has to be repeatable.