SCIENCESCIENCE

There is a method to the madness!!There is a method to the madness!!

SCIENTIFIC METHODSCIENTIFIC METHOD State the ProblemState the Problem

Gather InformationGather Information

Form a HypothesisForm a Hypothesis

Perform an ExperimentPerform an Experiment

Analyze DataAnalyze Data

Draw ConclusionsDraw Conclusions

Hypothesis Not SupportedHypothesis Not Supported Hypothesis SupportedHypothesis Supported

Revise HypothesisRevise Hypothesis

Repeat Several TimesRepeat Several Times

State The ProblemState The Problem

The first step in a scientific method is to state the problem.

EX: Are boys or girls faster at completing multiplication problems?

Gather InformationGather Information

Make observations and gather all information (communicating, measuring, inferring)

Form a HypothesisForm a Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a prediction that can be tested. It is a possible explanation about an event.

EX: Based on her experience and observations, the Dr. hypothesizes that you have strep throat.

A hypothesis always must be something you can test

Perform an ExperimentPerform an Experiment

Next perform an experiment to test your hypothesis. You need a procedure (steps to carry out experiment) & materials.

Analyze DataAnalyze DataRecord results during the experiment in a data table or experiment log. The data should then be organized into graphs or charts for easier analysis.

There are 2 types of data:

Quantitative: a type of data has precise measurements with units.

Example: 5mL or 10cm

Qualitative: a type of data that is based on descriptors. Does not include precise measurements.

Example: foam present or foam not present

Draw Conclusions

Then you use your data to come up with a logical answer.

Based on data gathered, you then want to ACCEPT, or REJECT your hypothesis.

SCIENTIFIC METHODSCIENTIFIC METHOD State the ProblemState the Problem

Gather InformationGather Information

Form a HypothesisForm a Hypothesis

Perform an ExperimentPerform an Experiment

Analyze DataAnalyze Data

Draw ConclusionsDraw Conclusions

Hypothesis Not SupportedHypothesis Not Supported Hypothesis SupportedHypothesis Supported

Revise HypothesisRevise Hypothesis

Repeat Several TimesRepeat Several Times

What next?What happens next if the hypothesis is correct???1. Develop a theoryTheory: an explanation of things or events that are based

on scientific knowledge, collected data, experiments, and many hours of observation.Ex. Cell Theory

**Many experiments are performed to test the hypothesis and if the results ALWAYS support it, then it becomes a theory

2. Scientific LawLaw: a statement about how things work in nature that

seem to be true all the timeEx. Universal laws of Gravitation

Why should the results of an experiment be published

or shared?

REPORT YOUR RESULTSREPORT YOUR RESULTS

Now you want to put your experiment in a lab report. You want to write a FORMAL Lab Report so that it can be reproduced exactly by anyone wishing to do so.

So other scientists will know about So other scientists will know about the results of the experiment and the results of the experiment and can verify them, or use them to can verify them, or use them to

develop new hypothesis.develop new hypothesis.