THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

LEARN TO THINK LIKE A SCIENTIST

What Is The Scientific Method?

0The scientific method is a process used to answer questions about the world around us through the use of observation and experimentation.0This process is used in our everyday life

even if we don’t realize it!

What Is The First Of The Scientific Method?

0The first step of the scientific method is to identify a problem or question based on observations that you have made.

What Is The Second Step Of The Scientific Method?

0The second step of the scientific method is to make a hypothesis.0The hypothesis is a prediction (educated

guess) to answer your questions.

What Is The Third Step Of The Scientific Method

0The third step of the scientific method involves setting up a detailed and step-by-step experiment that will test your hypothesis.

0 It is very important that you design your experiment so that it is reliable.

0 In order for your experiment to be considered reliable, you must have the conditions the same way each time you test and your measurements must be consistent.

How Do I Ensure My Experiment Is Reliable?

0 In order to make your experiment reliable, you can only test one variable. A variable is the one thing that you are changing/testing in your experiment. There are 3 types of variables:

0Control Variable-The variable that is held constant.0Dependent Variable- The variable that measures the

outcome.0 Independent Variable- The variable that is being

changed or tested.

Observing During The Experiment

0Observing is using your senses or instruments to record data, making notes of any changes occurring such as color change, gas production etc.0You want to make sure you use as much

detail as possible when describing your observations.

What Is The Fourth Step Of The Scientific Method

0The fourth step of the scientific method is recording and analyzing your data.

0Data is the information gathered during your experiment and it is usually put into a chart, table or graph. There are 2 types of data based on your observations:0 Quantitative-Observations that are expressed in

numbers.0 Qualitative-Observations that are more description

based such as smell, taste, texture etc.

What Is The Final Step Of The Scientific Method?

0The final step of the scientific method is to make a conclusion and communicate your results. Focus on how the data you collected supported or “busted” your hypothesis.

Now Let’s Practice

0 I was making bread the other day and noticed that when the bread came out of the oven it was flat. It made me stop and reflect and realize that I don’t think I put the yeast in the bowl as recipe required. Perfect time to use the scientific method I figure. I came up with the following question:

0Will bread rise without adding yeast?

Hypothesis

0I hypothesize that bread will not rise without yeast.

Setting Up The Experiment

0 I have decided that I am going to make 2 loaves of bread. The first loaf will be my control variable as I will follow the recipe exactly.

0The second loaf I will follow the recipe except I will leave out the yeast (independent variable).

0When the bread is done I will take both loaves out at the same time. I will measure the height of each of bread from the bottom of the loaf to its highest point. (dependent variable).

Data Analysis

0Loaf 1 Qualitative data- light brown, firm, smooth, high/risen

0Loaf 1 Quantitative data- 7.5 inches high

0Loaf 2 Qualitative data- light brown, bumpy, very firm, flat/did not rise

0Loaf 2 Quantitative data- 3 inches high

Conclusion

0The data I collected during this experiment did indeed support my hypothesis that bread will not rise without yeast. Visibly loaf 1 was higher than loaf 2. Loaf 1 also measured higher than loaf 2. Leaving out the yeast did make a difference.