Scientific Method

Steps in the Scientific Method

1. Make Observation.

2. Ask Question.

3. Make a hypothesis.

4. Test your hypothesis.

5. Analyze the results.

6. Draw conclusions. (infer!)

Experimental Design Who has ever done a science fair

experiment? What are the important parts?

Control group Experimental group Variables

Independent Dependent

Experimental Design Control group, what is it?

The group that remains constant, unchanged It is the STANDARD that the experimental

groups are compared to

Experimental group, what is it? The group that has some changed variable

Experiments Hypothesis: If Miracle Gro is added to

bean plants, then they will grow taller. 2 groups

Bean plants without Miracle Gro Bean plants fed with Miracle Gro

Which is the control group? Which is the experimental group?

- CONTROL

- EXPERIMENTAL

ExperimentsVariables Independent

The variable that YOU CHANGE or MANIPULATE Do you guys and girls still “IM” each other?

Dependent The variable that you OBSERVE. It

RESPONDS/REACTS. Dr

Why is it a good idea to only change ONE variable during an experiment???

Constants Things that should remain the same

throughout the experiment. Bean Plant Type Number of Bean Plants in control and

experimental group. Amount of water Amount of Sunlight Think of any others????

ExperimentsBack to are Miracle Gro experiment… Data:

What is the Independent Variable? Adding Miracle Gro

What is the Dependant Variable? plant height

Control Experimental

Day 1 4.0 cm 7.5 cm

Day 2 5.0 cm 8.0 cm

Day 3 5.5 cm 9.0 cm

When Graphing IV – on X axis DV – on Y axis

Title: The Effects of the IV on the DV OR

The Relationship between the IV and the DV OR

DV vs. IV

Another Example Hypothesis:

If popcorn kernels are stored in the freezer, then all the kernels will pop.

Control Group?

Experimental Group?

Constants?

Independent Variable?

Dependent Variable?

Which is on the X axis? Y axis?

How do you title graph?