steps of the scientific method. step 1: state the question problem all experiments begin with a...

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

Step 1: State the Step 1: State the Question ProblemQuestion Problem

All experiments begin with a testable research All experiments begin with a testable research questionquestion

This question often stems from an experience This question often stems from an experience you’ve had or observations you’ve made in the you’ve had or observations you’ve made in the pastpast

Your research question must be testable, this Your research question must be testable, this means that you can design an investigation, means that you can design an investigation, make observations, and gather evidence to make observations, and gather evidence to answer the question.answer the question.

Scientific questions CANNOT Scientific questions CANNOT be based on opinions or be based on opinions or personal judgmentspersonal judgments

Testable Research Question: Testable Research Question: Will M&M color Will M&M color dissolve faster in water, vinegar, or salt water?dissolve faster in water, vinegar, or salt water?

Non-Testable Question: Non-Testable Question: Which color M&M Which color M&M tastes better?tastes better?

Remember that the key to a good question is Remember that the key to a good question is that it can be tested. An experiment could be that it can be tested. An experiment could be designed to find an answer to the question. If designed to find an answer to the question. If the question is based on OPINIONS or the question is based on OPINIONS or PERSONAL PREFERENCES, then it is NOT PERSONAL PREFERENCES, then it is NOT TESTABLE!TESTABLE!

Number 1-5. Read each research Number 1-5. Read each research question below. If it is testable, write question below. If it is testable, write YES, if it cannot be tested write NOYES, if it cannot be tested write NO

1. Does the amount of fertilizer affect how tall a 1. Does the amount of fertilizer affect how tall a flower grows?flower grows?

2. Are roses prettier flowers then tulips?2. Are roses prettier flowers then tulips? 3. How can we make cut flowers stay fresher 3. How can we make cut flowers stay fresher

for a longer period of time?for a longer period of time? 4. Can daisies grow in different types of soil?4. Can daisies grow in different types of soil? 5. Do daffodils smell better than carnations?5. Do daffodils smell better than carnations?

Read each situation. Then in Read each situation. Then in your notebook write a your notebook write a TESTABLE Research QuestionTESTABLE Research Question

EXAMPLE: Aaron and Sam want to grow EXAMPLE: Aaron and Sam want to grow some tomato plants this summer. They’re some tomato plants this summer. They’re trying to decide where to plant them so trying to decide where to plant them so the plants receive the right amount of the plants receive the right amount of sunlight to produce the most tomatoessunlight to produce the most tomatoes

RESEARCH QUESTION: What amount RESEARCH QUESTION: What amount of sunlight makes tomato plants produce of sunlight makes tomato plants produce the most tomatoes?the most tomatoes?


Andre and Marie love popcorn, but they Andre and Marie love popcorn, but they don’t have much money to spend. They don’t have much money to spend. They want to decide if more expensive brands want to decide if more expensive brands of popcorn really pop better than others.of popcorn really pop better than others.

RESEARCH QUESTION:RESEARCH QUESTION:


Sheri is tired of buying light bulbs. She Sheri is tired of buying light bulbs. She wants to find out whether Brand A or wants to find out whether Brand A or Brand B light bulbs will last longer in her Brand B light bulbs will last longer in her lamp.lamp.

RESEARCH QUESTIONRESEARCH QUESTION


Jerome’s brother told him to fill the ice Jerome’s brother told him to fill the ice cube trays with warm water instead of cube trays with warm water instead of cold water because warm water freezes cold water because warm water freezes faster. Jerome wants to find out if this is faster. Jerome wants to find out if this is true.true.

RESEARCH QUESTION:RESEARCH QUESTION:

CHALLENGE ACTIVITYCHALLENGE ACTIVITY

Write your own scientific situation on a Write your own scientific situation on a separate piece of paper. Trade papers separate piece of paper. Trade papers with a classmate (someone at your table) with a classmate (someone at your table) and have him or her write the research and have him or her write the research question that goes with your scientific question that goes with your scientific situationsituation

STEP 2: Collect InformationSTEP 2: Collect Information

After choosing a topic to investigate and After choosing a topic to investigate and writing a testable research question, it’s writing a testable research question, it’s time to find information about your topic. time to find information about your topic. However, some topics are very broad. However, some topics are very broad. You must narrow your topic enough to You must narrow your topic enough to focus on the most important parts relating focus on the most important parts relating to your experiment and research only to your experiment and research only those parts.those parts.

What are the most important parts?What are the most important parts?

VariablesVariables

Variables are all the factors that can Variables are all the factors that can change in an experiment, possibly change in an experiment, possibly affecting the results.affecting the results.

It’s important that you test only one It’s important that you test only one variable at a time; this way you can be variable at a time; this way you can be sure it’s the one thing that caused the sure it’s the one thing that caused the results.results.

3 kinds of variables3 kinds of variables

1. 1. The Independent (or Manipulated) Variable:The Independent (or Manipulated) Variable: is the ONE factor or condition that is is the ONE factor or condition that is intentionally changed by the experimenter.intentionally changed by the experimenter.

2. 2. The Dependent (or Responding) VariableThe Dependent (or Responding) Variable is is the factor or condition that may be affected as the factor or condition that may be affected as a result of changing the independent variable. a result of changing the independent variable. The dependent variable is what you measure The dependent variable is what you measure or observe to obtain your resultsor observe to obtain your results

3. 3. The Constant VariableThe Constant Variable are all the factors or are all the factors or conditions that must be kept the same in the conditions that must be kept the same in the experimentexperiment

ExampleExample

Research Question: Will M&M color dissolve Research Question: Will M&M color dissolve faster in water or in another clear liquid?faster in water or in another clear liquid?

Independent Variable (IV):Independent Variable (IV): Type of clear liquid Type of clear liquid Dependent Variable (DV):Dependent Variable (DV): Time it takes for Time it takes for

color to dissolvecolor to dissolve Constant Variable (CV):Constant Variable (CV): Color of M&M, Color of M&M,

amount of liquid, type of M&M (e.g., plain, amount of liquid, type of M&M (e.g., plain, peanut), time at which M&M’s are dropped into peanut), time at which M&M’s are dropped into liquid, etc.liquid, etc.

YOUR TURN, identify the IV,DV, YOUR TURN, identify the IV,DV, and CV for each Research and CV for each Research QuestionQuestion

1. What amount of sunlight makes pea 1. What amount of sunlight makes pea plants grow tallest?plants grow tallest?

IV:IV: DV:DV: CV:CV:

ContinueContinue

2. Which type of soda has more sugar: 2. Which type of soda has more sugar: Brand X, Brand Y, or Brand Z?Brand X, Brand Y, or Brand Z?


ContinueContinue

Is the height of a ball’s bounce affected Is the height of a ball’s bounce affected by the height from which the ball is by the height from which the ball is dropped?dropped?


ContinueContinue

Which battery will last the longest: Which battery will last the longest: Superlast or Energy Star?Superlast or Energy Star?


LAST ONELAST ONE

Is the water temperature of Lake Is the water temperature of Lake Michigan affected by the depth of the Michigan affected by the depth of the water?water?


QUIZ TIMEQUIZ TIME

Number 1-7 in your notebooks, after Number 1-7 in your notebooks, after each description identify which type of each description identify which type of variable is describedvariable is described

IV = Independent VariableIV = Independent Variable DV = Dependent VariableDV = Dependent Variable CV = Constant VariableCV = Constant Variable

READY…READY…

1. The factors that are kept the same in an 1. The factors that are kept the same in an experiment._____________experiment._____________

2. This is also known as the responding 2. This is also known as the responding variable._________________variable._________________

3. This is the one thing that is changed by the 3. This is the one thing that is changed by the experimenter.______________experimenter.______________

4. This is also called the manipulated 4. This is also called the manipulated variable.________________variable.________________

5. This is the factor that is affected as a result 5. This is the factor that is affected as a result of changing the manipulated of changing the manipulated variable._____________________variable._____________________

LAST 2LAST 2

6. This variable must be measurable to 6. This variable must be measurable to obtain results._____________________obtain results._____________________

7. There may be many of this type of 7. There may be many of this type of variable in an variable in an experiment._________________experiment._________________

THE ANSWERS ARE…THE ANSWERS ARE…

1. Constant Variable1. Constant Variable 2. Dependent Variable2. Dependent Variable 3. Independent Variable3. Independent Variable 4. Independent Variable4. Independent Variable 5. Dependent Variable5. Dependent Variable 6. Dependent Variable6. Dependent Variable 7. Constant Variable7. Constant Variable

Hypothesis ContinuesHypothesis Continues

A hypothesis is not a fact, but merely one A hypothesis is not a fact, but merely one possible way to explain a group of possible way to explain a group of observations. observations.

Your hypothesis is ALWAYS made prior Your hypothesis is ALWAYS made prior to completing the experimentto completing the experiment

It should express a logical explanation It should express a logical explanation based on prior observations and based on prior observations and researchresearch


A hypothesis does not just predict what will A hypothesis does not just predict what will happen in an experiment, but it tells how one happen in an experiment, but it tells how one variable (IV) might affect another variable (DV).variable (IV) might affect another variable (DV).

A hypothesis can be written in a specific way to A hypothesis can be written in a specific way to express this relationship between the express this relationship between the independent and dependent variables. independent and dependent variables.

Remember that a hypothesis is a guess about Remember that a hypothesis is a guess about the results; it does not have to be correct!the results; it does not have to be correct!

Step 3: Form a Step 3: Form a HypothesisHypothesis

In writing a hypothesis, you are trying to In writing a hypothesis, you are trying to answer your research question before you answer your research question before you experiment. experiment.

A A HypothesisHypothesis is a special type of prediction is a special type of prediction that is a possible explanation for a set of that is a possible explanation for a set of observations or an answer to a scientific observations or an answer to a scientific questionquestion

An EDUCATED GUESSAn EDUCATED GUESS Just like the research question, a hypothesis Just like the research question, a hypothesis

must be testable!must be testable!


A hypothesis can be written as an “If…then…” A hypothesis can be written as an “If…then…” statement. When the variables are added into statement. When the variables are added into the hypothesis, the format becomes “If IV, then the hypothesis, the format becomes “If IV, then DV.” or “If I change the IV, then I think (or my DV.” or “If I change the IV, then I think (or my hypothesis is that) the result (DV) will hypothesis is that) the result (DV) will be_________.” be_________.”

Don’t forget that the hypothesis is your Don’t forget that the hypothesis is your prediction about what will happen, so you will prediction about what will happen, so you will have to add your own words and toughts into have to add your own words and toughts into this format!this format!

Practice ExamplePractice Example

Research Question: Does salt water freeze Research Question: Does salt water freeze faster than fresh water?faster than fresh water?

IV: Type of water DV: Time water takes to freezeIV: Type of water DV: Time water takes to freeze

Possible Hypothesis:Possible Hypothesis:

If I test salt water and fresh water, then fresh water will freeze faster.If I test salt water and fresh water, then fresh water will freeze faster.

A good way to make sure that your hypothesis is written correctly is A good way to make sure that your hypothesis is written correctly is to circle the words “If” and “then” in the hypothesis and to circle the words “If” and “then” in the hypothesis and underline underline the IV and DV.the IV and DV.

6 practice problems!6 practice problems!

Number 1-6 in your notebooksNumber 1-6 in your notebooks

1. Which type of music quiets a crying baby 1. Which type of music quiets a crying baby faster: jazz, classical, or rock?faster: jazz, classical, or rock?

IV:_________________ DV:______________IV:_________________ DV:______________ Hypothesis:___________________________Hypothesis:___________________________

2. Does the color of the recycling bins, red or blue, 2. Does the color of the recycling bins, red or blue, affect the number of cans recycled at school?affect the number of cans recycled at school?

IV:_________________ DV:_______________IV:_________________ DV:_______________ Hypothesis:_____________________________Hypothesis:_____________________________


3. Does the temperature of water affect how 3. Does the temperature of water affect how quickly food coloring spreads through it?quickly food coloring spreads through it?

IV:_______________ DV:____________IV:_______________ DV:____________ Hypothesis:______________________Hypothesis:______________________ 4. Is the number of eggs a chicken lays 4. Is the number of eggs a chicken lays

affected by the hours of daylight?affected by the hours of daylight? IV:_______________ DV:___________IV:_______________ DV:___________ Hypothesis:___________________________Hypothesis:___________________________


5. Will a rubber band or string hold more 5. Will a rubber band or string hold more weight without breaking?weight without breaking?

IV:_______________ DV:____________IV:_______________ DV:____________ Hypothesis:_______________________Hypothesis:_______________________ 6. Which type of gum contains the most 6. Which type of gum contains the most

sugar: Brand A, Brand B, or Brand C?sugar: Brand A, Brand B, or Brand C? IV:______________ DV:_____________IV:______________ DV:_____________ Hypothesis:_______________________Hypothesis:_______________________

ProcedureProcedure

When you are planning a way to test your When you are planning a way to test your hypothesis, you should write a step-by-step hypothesis, you should write a step-by-step procedure describing the materials needed, the procedure describing the materials needed, the set-up of the experiment, and the observations set-up of the experiment, and the observations and measurements that will be made.and measurements that will be made.

The goal of a well-designed experiment is to The goal of a well-designed experiment is to allow anyone who reads it to understand the allow anyone who reads it to understand the process you are using and to allow someone to process you are using and to allow someone to complete the experiment just by following your complete the experiment just by following your directionsdirections

A set of experimental procedures follows each research A set of experimental procedures follows each research question, but the procedures are out of order. Put the question, but the procedures are out of order. Put the steps in logical order (#1 is the first step and so on)steps in logical order (#1 is the first step and so on)

1. What amount of sunlight is best for growing pea 1. What amount of sunlight is best for growing pea plants?plants?

_______ Plant one plant in full sun, a second in partial _______ Plant one plant in full sun, a second in partial sun, and a third in full shadesun, and a third in full shade

_______ Measure and record the height of each plant _______ Measure and record the height of each plant every other day for three weeksevery other day for three weeks

_______ Purchase 3 pea plants of the same height_______ Purchase 3 pea plants of the same height _______ Water each plant with the same amount of _______ Water each plant with the same amount of

water (1000ml) each daywater (1000ml) each day


2. Does salt water or fresh water freeze faster?2. Does salt water or fresh water freeze faster? ____ Check on the containers every 10 minutes____ Check on the containers every 10 minutes ____ Fill 2 clear containers with 250mL of cold water____ Fill 2 clear containers with 250mL of cold water ____ Record observations as you check on containers____ Record observations as you check on containers ____ Add 20 grams of salt to container #1. Do not add ____ Add 20 grams of salt to container #1. Do not add

any salt to container #2.any salt to container #2. ____ Put the 2 containers in the freezer at the same ____ Put the 2 containers in the freezer at the same

timetime ____ Label container #1 “Salt water” and container #2 ____ Label container #1 “Salt water” and container #2

“Fresh water”.“Fresh water”.


3. Does the thickness of a rubber band affect the pitch 3. Does the thickness of a rubber band affect the pitch of the note created when the rubber band is plucked?of the note created when the rubber band is plucked?

_____ Observe the pitch of the sound created from _____ Observe the pitch of the sound created from each bandeach band

_____ Pluck each rubber band_____ Pluck each rubber band _____ Gather a thick rubber band, a thin rubber band, _____ Gather a thick rubber band, a thin rubber band,

and a small cardboard boxand a small cardboard box _____ Stretch both rubber bands around the box so _____ Stretch both rubber bands around the box so

they are side by sidethey are side by side


4. Will the shape of an object affect its buoyancy (ability to float)?4. Will the shape of an object affect its buoyancy (ability to float)? _____ Mold one section of clay into a round ball_____ Mold one section of clay into a round ball _____ Observe the results and the water level in each container_____ Observe the results and the water level in each container _____ Place one shaped section of clay in each container_____ Place one shaped section of clay in each container _____ Fill 3 small clear containers three-quarters full of water_____ Fill 3 small clear containers three-quarters full of water _____ Mold a second section of clay into a square_____ Mold a second section of clay into a square _____ Divide a stick of molding clay into 3 equal sections._____ Divide a stick of molding clay into 3 equal sections. (Weigh them to make sure they’re equal)(Weigh them to make sure they’re equal) _____ Mold the third section of clay into a wide, hollow boat shape_____ Mold the third section of clay into a wide, hollow boat shape

Continued Step 4:Continued Step 4:Test the HypothesisTest the Hypothesis

It is important that the experiments you design It is important that the experiments you design are controlled, fair test. Only one variable are controlled, fair test. Only one variable should be manipulated at a time, and should be manipulated at a time, and everything else needs to be held constant!everything else needs to be held constant!

Activity: Read the following experiment Activity: Read the following experiment descriptions. Each experimenter has made at descriptions. Each experimenter has made at least one mistake. Tell what the experimenter least one mistake. Tell what the experimenter did wrong AND suggest how the experimenter did wrong AND suggest how the experimenter could improvecould improve

4 problems!4 problems!

1. Tara wanted to find out which brand of 1. Tara wanted to find out which brand of popcorn results in the fewest unpopped popcorn results in the fewest unpopped kernels. She purchased 3 of the same size bag kernels. She purchased 3 of the same size bag of different brands of microwave popcorn. Tara of different brands of microwave popcorn. Tara popped Brand A for 3 minutes and 30 seconds. popped Brand A for 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Brand B for 3 minutes and 45 seconds, and Brand B for 3 minutes and 45 seconds, and Brand C for 4 minutes. She poured each bag Brand C for 4 minutes. She poured each bag into a separate bowl and counted how many into a separate bowl and counted how many unpopped kernels remained.unpopped kernels remained.

What did Tara do wrong?What did Tara do wrong? How could she improve her experiment?How could she improve her experiment?

AnswerAnswer

Tara’s mistake was popping the different Tara’s mistake was popping the different popcorns for different amounts of time. popcorns for different amounts of time. She could improve her experiment by She could improve her experiment by popping each bag for the same amount popping each bag for the same amount of timeof time

2. Jeremiah is testing which paper towel 2. Jeremiah is testing which paper towel is most absorbent. He takes 4 different is most absorbent. He takes 4 different brands of paper towels and cuts them to brands of paper towels and cuts them to the same size. He holds each paper the same size. He holds each paper towel under running water and observes towel under running water and observes the results.the results.

What did Jeremiah do wrong?What did Jeremiah do wrong? How could he improve his experiment?How could he improve his experiment?

AnswerAnswer

Jeremiah did not control the amount of Jeremiah did not control the amount of water put on each paper towel. He could water put on each paper towel. He could improve his experiment by measuring a improve his experiment by measuring a specific amount of water before pouring it specific amount of water before pouring it on each paper towel to determine how on each paper towel to determine how much water each paper towel absorbedmuch water each paper towel absorbed

AnswerAnswer

The girls are testing two candies at once. The girls are testing two candies at once. Testing only one candy at a time and Testing only one candy at a time and having the same girl test each candy having the same girl test each candy would improve their experiment.would improve their experiment.

Last one!Last one!

4. Demetrius wants to find out if the size of the 4. Demetrius wants to find out if the size of the ball will affect how high it bounces. He chooses ball will affect how high it bounces. He chooses a ping-pong ball, a softball, and a bowling ball. a ping-pong ball, a softball, and a bowling ball. He drops each from a height of 2 meters. His He drops each from a height of 2 meters. His friend holds a meter stick and records the friend holds a meter stick and records the bounce of each ball.bounce of each ball.

What did Demetrius do wrong?What did Demetrius do wrong? How could he improve his experiment/How could he improve his experiment/

3. Tina and Jazmine want to know which flavor 3. Tina and Jazmine want to know which flavor of hard candy lasts the longest. They choose 4 of hard candy lasts the longest. They choose 4 flavors of candy. Tina puts 2 in her mouth and, flavors of candy. Tina puts 2 in her mouth and, at the same time, Jazmine puts 2 in her mouth. at the same time, Jazmine puts 2 in her mouth. They time to see which candy lasts longest.They time to see which candy lasts longest.

What did Tina and Jazmine do wrong?What did Tina and Jazmine do wrong? How could their experiment be improved?How could their experiment be improved?

AnswerAnswer

Demetrius did not control the weight of Demetrius did not control the weight of each ball. The balls he is testing are each ball. The balls he is testing are different weights, which can influence his different weights, which can influence his results. He could improve his experiment results. He could improve his experiment by finding balls of different sizes but the by finding balls of different sizes but the same weightsame weight

Conducting ResearchConducting Research

You are encouraged to You are encouraged to investigate as many different investigate as many different sources as possible to ensure sources as possible to ensure a thorough understanding of a thorough understanding of your chosen topicyour chosen topic

Materials to InvestigateMaterials to Investigate

EncyclopediasEncyclopedias DictionariesDictionaries Biographical dictionariesBiographical dictionaries AtlasesAtlases PamphletsPamphlets RecordsRecords Newspaper filesNewspaper files MapsMaps BibliographiesBibliographies graphsgraphs

Library card catalogsLibrary card catalogs Professional indexesProfessional indexes Audio and video recordingsAudio and video recordings AlmanacsAlmanacs TextbooksTextbooks BrochuresBrochures Magazines and professional Magazines and professional

journalsjournals Historical storiesHistorical stories Magazine indexesMagazine indexes Public documentsPublic documents

Places To GoPlaces To Go

College libraryCollege library MuseumsMuseums Scientific societiesScientific societies Local libraryLocal library Historical societyHistorical society ParksParks TV/ Radio stationTV/ Radio station Medical laboratoryMedical laboratory Hardware storeHardware store Botanical gardenBotanical garden Gardening centerGardening center farmfarm

Newspaper officeNewspaper office SupermarketsSupermarkets RestaurantsRestaurants Pet storePet store Florist or plant nurseryFlorist or plant nursery Science periodicals Science periodicals TV specialsTV specials Computer databasesComputer databases

People To SeePeople To See

Science teachersScience teachers ProfessorsProfessors ElectriciansElectricians Friends and neighborsFriends and neighbors Park rangersPark rangers College studentsCollege students LibrariansLibrarians High school studentsHigh school students MusiciansMusicians GardenersGardeners environmentalistsenvironmentalists

ScientistsScientists Corporate and research Corporate and research

librarianslibrarians Science writersScience writers Factory workersFactory workers Doctors, nursesDoctors, nurses FarmersFarmers BiologistBiologist CooksCooks Medical laboratory Medical laboratory

workersworkers

Step 5: Observe, Record, Step 5: Observe, Record, & Analyze Data& Analyze Data

While conducting your experiment, it is very While conducting your experiment, it is very important to make clear and accurate important to make clear and accurate observations. observations.

An observation involves using all five senses to An observation involves using all five senses to make sense of the world around you.make sense of the world around you.

Scientists use observations to gather the data Scientists use observations to gather the data that will support or disprove their hypothesisthat will support or disprove their hypothesis


There are two basic types of observations: There are two basic types of observations: Quantitative and QualitativeQuantitative and Qualitative

Quantitative observations are observations that Quantitative observations are observations that involve a number in the form of an amount or involve a number in the form of an amount or measurement. measurement.

Noticing that there are 12 students working in Noticing that there are 12 students working in the library is a quantitative observation. the library is a quantitative observation. Scientists try to use quantitative observations Scientists try to use quantitative observations as much as possible because they are more as much as possible because they are more accurate and precise.accurate and precise.


Qualitative observation are observations Qualitative observation are observations that use non-numerical descriptions. that use non-numerical descriptions.

Noticing that your friend’s sweater is blue Noticing that your friend’s sweater is blue and green is a qualitative observationand green is a qualitative observation

Practice problems… in your notebooks, Practice problems… in your notebooks, write whether the observation is write whether the observation is quantitative or qualitativequantitative or qualitative


1. Marques missed an easy question on the math test.1. Marques missed an easy question on the math test. 2. Lisa lost seven pencils last week.2. Lisa lost seven pencils last week. 3. The concrete mix gets hard when mixed with water.3. The concrete mix gets hard when mixed with water. 4. The fire alarm is very loud.4. The fire alarm is very loud. 5. These grapes are sour.5. These grapes are sour. 6. The swimming pool hold 5 kiloliters of water.6. The swimming pool hold 5 kiloliters of water. 7. There are eight new e-mails in my inbox7. There are eight new e-mails in my inbox 8. About 52% of a chimp’s diet comes from fruit.8. About 52% of a chimp’s diet comes from fruit. 9. After the chemical was added, the water turned yellow9. After the chemical was added, the water turned yellow 10. The red car did not stop at the stop sign.10. The red car did not stop at the stop sign.

The answers are…The answers are…

1. qualitative1. qualitative 2. quantitative2. quantitative 3. qualitative3. qualitative 4. qualitative4. qualitative 5. qualitative5. qualitative 6. quantitative6. quantitative 7. quantitative7. quantitative 8. quantitative8. quantitative 9. qualitative9. qualitative 10. qualitative10. qualitative

Observe the classroom around you. Make 5 Observe the classroom around you. Make 5 quantitative observations and 5 qualitative quantitative observations and 5 qualitative observations about your classroom observations about your classroom

Quantitative ObservationsQuantitative Observations

1.1. 2.2. 3.3. 4.4. 5.5.

Qualitative ObservationQualitative Observation

1.1. 2.2. 3.3. 4.4. 5.5.


When conducting research, good scientists go When conducting research, good scientists go beyond making simple observations. Scientists beyond making simple observations. Scientists attempt to explain their observations based on attempt to explain their observations based on patterns and past experiences. patterns and past experiences.

When you explain or interpret the things you When you explain or interpret the things you observe, you are making an INFERENCE.observe, you are making an INFERENCE.

It is important to remember that inferences are It is important to remember that inferences are not wild guesses, but rather LOGICAL not wild guesses, but rather LOGICAL explanations based on what you already know.explanations based on what you already know.


There may often be several logical inferences for an observation. There may often be several logical inferences for an observation. You may not be sure which inference is the best explanation, so You may not be sure which inference is the best explanation, so

an inference may need to be changed when new observations are an inference may need to be changed when new observations are made.made.

Example:Example: Observation: Maria is not in school today.Observation: Maria is not in school today. Possible Inferences: Maria has the fluPossible Inferences: Maria has the flu Maria is at the dentistMaria is at the dentist Maria missed her busMaria missed her bus Maria and her family are on Maria and her family are on vacationvacation We will not know which inference is correct until we gather more We will not know which inference is correct until we gather more

information for various observationsinformation for various observations

Read each observation below. Then, write THREE Read each observation below. Then, write THREE possible inferences that could possibly explain the possible inferences that could possibly explain the observation. Remember, the inferences MUST be logical! observation. Remember, the inferences MUST be logical! LOOSELEAF paper!! Will be collected and graded!LOOSELEAF paper!! Will be collected and graded!

Remember Complete Sentences… and 3 possible inferences!!!!Remember Complete Sentences… and 3 possible inferences!!!! 1. The flowers grew taller on the front porch than on the back porch.1. The flowers grew taller on the front porch than on the back porch. 2. The teacher hands Alysha her test back and Alysha smiles2. The teacher hands Alysha her test back and Alysha smiles 3. The principal calls a student from the classroom.3. The principal calls a student from the classroom. 4. You leave school and see the street is wet.4. You leave school and see the street is wet. 5. The lights in the classroom are off.5. The lights in the classroom are off. 6. You hear a siren going past you house6. You hear a siren going past you house 7. You see a child crying as she and her mother are leaving the store.7. You see a child crying as she and her mother are leaving the store. 8. Your dog is barking at the front door.8. Your dog is barking at the front door. 9. At lunchtime, the sky begins to get very dark.9. At lunchtime, the sky begins to get very dark. 10. All the students in class have brought their lunches from home.10. All the students in class have brought their lunches from home.


Scientific observations need to be recorded in Scientific observations need to be recorded in an organized way so the experimenter can an organized way so the experimenter can analyze the information.analyze the information.

All experiments produce data, which are the All experiments produce data, which are the facts, figures, and other evidence gathered facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations.through observations.

Making sense of the data is called data Making sense of the data is called data interpretationinterpretation

Creating a Data TableCreating a Data Table

When you create a data When you create a data table, you should usually table, you should usually use this form to write a use this form to write a title: “The effect of title: “The effect of the the independent variable (IV)independent variable (IV) on on the dependent the dependent variable (DV)variable (DV).” Place the .” Place the IV in the left column of IV in the left column of the table and the DV in the table and the DV in the right columnthe right column

Example: The effect of Example: The effect of different amounts of different amounts of fertilizer on plant height.fertilizer on plant height.

Amount of Amount of Fertilizer (ml)Fertilizer (ml)

Height of Height of Plant (cm)Plant (cm)

00 22

55 1010

1010 1717

1515 12.512.5

On a separate sheet of paper, On a separate sheet of paper, create a data table for each set of create a data table for each set of data below. Remember to include a data below. Remember to include a title!title!

1. Seeds were planted at different 1. Seeds were planted at different temperatures. The height of the plants was temperatures. The height of the plants was measured after one week.measured after one week.

88°C = 4cm°C = 4cm 12°C = 7cm12°C = 7cm 16°C = 9.5 cm16°C = 9.5 cm 18°C = 11 cm18°C = 11 cm 22°C = 16 cm22°C = 16 cm 24°C = 12 cm24°C = 12 cm


2. Every other month, bears in the state 2. Every other month, bears in the state park were counted.park were counted.

January = 45 bearsJanuary = 45 bears March = 50 bearsMarch = 50 bears May = 56 bearsMay = 56 bears July = 53 bearsJuly = 53 bears September = 48 bearsSeptember = 48 bears November = 42 bearsNovember = 42 bears


3. Different kinds of balls were dropped 3. Different kinds of balls were dropped from a desktop. The height of each ball’s from a desktop. The height of each ball’s bounce was measured.bounce was measured.

Baseball = 10 cmBaseball = 10 cm Golf ball = 60 cmGolf ball = 60 cm Basketball = 48 cmBasketball = 48 cm Ping-pong ball = 22 cmPing-pong ball = 22 cm Football = 8cmFootball = 8cm


4. A student investigated how the amount of 4. A student investigated how the amount of study time affected scores on a math test.study time affected scores on a math test.

0 hours = 51 points0 hours = 51 points 1 hour = 68 points1 hour = 68 points 2 hours = 72 points2 hours = 72 points 3 hours = 75 points3 hours = 75 points 4 hours = 80 points4 hours = 80 points 5 hours = 91 points5 hours = 91 points


After making a data table, scientists look for After making a data table, scientists look for patterns in their data. Often it is easiest to patterns in their data. Often it is easiest to detect patterns once the data is put into graph detect patterns once the data is put into graph form. form.

You must decide whether a line graph or a bar You must decide whether a line graph or a bar graph is appropriate for your data.graph is appropriate for your data.

To decide which type of graph to use, look at To decide which type of graph to use, look at you IV. If the IV represents the passage of time you IV. If the IV represents the passage of time or change over time, make a line graph.or change over time, make a line graph.


A graph should have a title, usually A graph should have a title, usually written in the form “The effect on written in the form “The effect on the IVthe IV on on the DV.the DV.” ”

The IV is always written on the graph’s x-The IV is always written on the graph’s x-axis (horizontal axis), while the DV is axis (horizontal axis), while the DV is placed on the y-axis (vertical axis). You placed on the y-axis (vertical axis). You must label each axis with its variables.must label each axis with its variables.

Setting up your graphSetting up your graph

Title: The effect of Title: The effect of (IV)(IV) on on (DV)(DV)

See back board! See back board!

Homework Assignment!Homework Assignment!

Use the four data tables you created for Use the four data tables you created for items 1-4, and on the piece of graph items 1-4, and on the piece of graph paper, make a graph for each data table.paper, make a graph for each data table.

Remember to give each graph a title and Remember to give each graph a title and label each axis, including the unit of label each axis, including the unit of measure! measure!

Step 6: Draw ConclusionsStep 6: Draw Conclusions

The final step in the scientific process is to The final step in the scientific process is to draw conclusions. draw conclusions.

A conclusion is a summary of what you have A conclusion is a summary of what you have learned from the experiment. learned from the experiment.

When reaching conclusions, you should decide When reaching conclusions, you should decide whether the data you collected supports your whether the data you collected supports your hypothesis or not.hypothesis or not.

It is also important to consider if you have It is also important to consider if you have collected enough data or if more testing needs collected enough data or if more testing needs to occur before a conclusion can be reachedto occur before a conclusion can be reached


An effective conclusion should An effective conclusion should summarize the findings of the summarize the findings of the experiment, state whether the hypothesis experiment, state whether the hypothesis was supported by the data or not, and was supported by the data or not, and address any problems that happened address any problems that happened during the experiment.during the experiment.


Examining the process you used and deciding Examining the process you used and deciding if there were any unidentified or unexpected if there were any unidentified or unexpected variables that could have affected the results is variables that could have affected the results is also necessary when drawing conclusions.also necessary when drawing conclusions.

Remember, it is not a problem if the Remember, it is not a problem if the experiment does not turn out how you experiment does not turn out how you expected or does not support your hypothesis.expected or does not support your hypothesis.

Conclusions often lead to new scientific Conclusions often lead to new scientific questions and experiments!questions and experiments!

steps of the scientific method. step 1: state the question problem all experiments begin with a...

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