Scientific

Method involves a series of

steps that are used

to investigate a

natural occurrence.

Scientific Method

1.Problem/Question

2. Observation/Research

3. Formulate a Hypothesis

4. Experiment

5. Collect and Analyze Results

6. Conclusion

7. Communicate the Results

Steps of the

Scientific Method

1. Problem/Question Develop a question

or problem that can

be solved through

experimentation.

Steps of the

Scientific Method

2. Observation/Research: Make observations

and research your

topic of interest.

Do you remember the

next step?

Steps of the

Scientific Method

3. Formulate

a

Hypothesis

Predict a possible

answer to the

problem or question.

***Write this

Example: If soil

temperatures rise,

then plant growth will

increase.

Steps of the

Scientific Method

is an educated guess. It is a

prediction or a possible

answer to the problem or

question. It can be in the form

of an “if” “then” statement or

just a declarative statement.

EX: IF I add M&M’s to Vinegar,

THEN the color will come off

faster than it does in just

water.

Hypothesis

Scientific Method • Hypothesis testable explanation of

an observation.

A hypothesis is NOT

just an educated

guess about what you

think will happen. It

must be able to be

tested!

Step 3: Form a Hypothesis

goes after the “If”

I.V.

If the amount of fertilizer is

increased,

then the height of the plant will

increase.

Independent

Variable

Step 3: Form a Hypothesis

goes after the “Then”

If the amount of fertilizer is

increased,

then the height of the plant

will increase.

D.V.

Dependent

Variable

Steps of the

Scientific Method 4. Experiment

Develop and follow a

procedure.

Include a detailed materials

list.

The outcome must be

measurable (quantifiable)

Steps of the

Scientific Method 5. Collect

and

Analyze

Results:

Change the procedure

if needed. Confirm the

results by retesting.

Include tables, graphs,

and photographs.

Steps of the

Scientific Method 6. Conclusion: Include a statement that

accepts (hypothesis is right) or rejects (hypothesis is wrong)

the hypothesis. Write ideas on how you could study this subject more and

what you might do to improve the procedure.

Steps of the

Scientific Method 7.

Communicate

the Results:

Be prepared to

present the project to

an audience.

Expect questions from

the audience.

Think you can name all

seven steps?

Problem/Question Observation/Research Formulate a Hypothesis Experiment Collect and Analyze Results Conclusion Communicate the Results

Do you know the difference

between the independent

and dependent variables?

3 Types of variables:

• Independent

Variable:

• Dependent

Variable:

Cause

- what you change (only one thing at a time)

- a.k.a Manipulated Variable

- Graphed on X axis

- nicknamed the I- do variable

Effect

-what changes because of the

Independent Variable

-It’s what you see happening that

depends on the independent variable

-a.k.a. Responding Variable

-Graphed on Y axis

3 Types of variables:

• Constant

Variable:

The constants in an

experiment are all the

things that the

experimenter attempts to

keep the same.

Independent Variable vs.

Dependent Variable

Independent

Variable

Dependent

Variable

Also Known

As:

Manipulated

Variable

Responding

Variable

Results: Cause Effect

On a graph: X axis Y axis

Now You Try:

• If you spend more time studying, then your

grade will improve.

• Independent Variable =

• Dependent Variable =

Now You Try:

• If you spend more time studying, then your

grade will improve.

• Independent Variable = amount of time

spent studying

• Dependent Variable = grade

Now You Try:

• If the temperature of the room is increased,

then the bacteria will grow faster.

• Independent Variable =

• Dependent Variable =

Now You Try:

• If the temperature of the room is increased,

then the bacteria will grow faster.

• Independent Variable = temperature of room

• Dependent Variable = bacterial growth

Control

Group

In a scientific experiment, the

control is the group that is

used for comparison.

The control group may be a

“no treatment" –

independent variable is

omitted (or left out) for this

group.

Scientific Method

Control

Group

The control group is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group, except for they are not

given the variable being tested.

All experiments should have a control group.

Scientific Method

Step 6: Organize your data

• DRY MIX

– Dependent Variable = Responding Variable = Y axis

– Manipulated Variable = Independent Variable = X axis

Parts of a graph

Y Axis (Dependent

Variable)

X Axis

(Independent

Variable)

Graphing: DRY MIX

Independent Variable

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