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Page 1: Scientific Inquiry How to Use The Scientific Method

Scientific Inquiry

How to Use The Scientific Method

Page 2: Scientific Inquiry How to Use The Scientific Method

Simple Ideas Lead to Scientific Discovery http://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-simple-id

eas-lead-to-scientific-discoveries

Page 3: Scientific Inquiry How to Use The Scientific Method

Scientific Method

A blueprint for

experiment success.

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What is the scientific method?

It is a simple method scientists use to conduct an investigation.

It is a way to ask & answer scientific questions by asking questions & conducting experiments.

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I. Question/Problem

Ask a question about something observed.– Why?– How?– What?

Question to be solved. Must be about something measurable.

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II. Research/Collect Information

Gather information by making observations

Conduct research using creditable sources

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III. Hypothesis

Educated guess about how things work. Prediction Use If, then statements

– If ____ [I do this], then _____ [this will happen]

Focus on one variable only.

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IV. Experiment - overview

Design a fair experiment that tests your hypothesis

Determine variables:– Independent (aka manipulated) variable:

what is being tested– Dependent (aka responding) variable: what

is being measured

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Experiment (con’t) – variable examples

A scientist studies the impact of a drug on cancer. The independent variable is the administration of the drug. The dependent variable is the impact the drug has on cancer. 

A scientist studies the impact of withholding affection on rats. The independent variable is the affection. The dependent variable is the reaction of the rats. 

A scientist studies how many days people can eat soup until they get sick. The independent variable is the number of days of consuming soup. The dependent variable is the onset of illness. 

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Experiment (con’t) - accuracy

Change only one variable at a time. Record observations, not inferences

– Observations are made using tools or senses

– Inferences are assumptions based on those observations Use a control or control group

– This is a group that has nothing done to it; it serves as a standard used for comparison in an experiment.

In order for results to be valid, conduct several tests.

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Experiment (con’t) – recording data

Record your data in a data table.– Numerical (quantitative) data should be organized

in rows and columns – The variables must be included and clearly labeled

– List the number of trials

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V. Data Analysis

Reduce (analyze) the data– Determine average (if applicable)– Create graphs– Look for patterns or relationships

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VI. Conclusion

Include a summary of your experiment. State if your hypothesis was accepted or

rejected and explain why. If hypothesis is rejected, give possible

reasons for the difference between your hypothesis and the experimental results.

Suggest further research (if possible)


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