The Scientific Method Vocabulary hypothesis independent variable control

The Scientific Method Vocabulary: • hypothesis • independent variable • control variable An Experiment on a Bird in an Air Pump, Joseph Wright of Darby, English, 1768

Approaching a problem in science Scientific Method: A systematic approach to solving a problem (scientific or daily). • Identify a problem • Develop a hypothesis • Design and carry out an experiment • Collect data • Draw conclusion Note: There is collaboration and modification at every step of this process! It is not linear!

Identify a problem The purpose of any investigation must be clearly identified before moving forward. • Requires careful observation • Requires collaboration with other scientists • Must be measureable!

Develop a hypothesis A temporary explanation for the problem. It is not just a guess! It is based on: § research § experience § collaboration. Use “If…then…because…” to help guide your development of a hypothesis.

Design and carry out a procedure • A procedure may only have one independent variable. All other factors in the experiment must be controlled (kept constant. ) • You must have a control where the ind. variable is not introduced. • The procedure must only address the hypothesis.

Collect Data • Data can be qualitative (no numbers) or quantitative (numbers). • All data must be collected in an organized and systematic way. • Data tables should be neat and as simple as possible. They should not include calculated values.

Draw a conclusion Your conclusion must be based on the data from your experiment and exclusively address your hypothesis. • No assumptions. • No extrapolation. • No changing data. • No “proof. ” Only support or lack of support for hypothesis. A hypothesis that is not supported by the results of your experiment is just as important as one that is!

Important notes about scientific writing • Effective communication is paramount. • Be as straight-forward as possible. No “fluffy” words. No “big” words for the sake of big words. • Be impersonal. Write in 3 rd person. • Every claim must be supported by evidence (data). No opinions.