The Scientific Method ………is a systematic approach to problem solving used by

scientists (and others)

There are 6 steps:

1. Ask a question

Our questions are usually based on observations

2. Form a hypothesis

…suggested solution…educated guess…possible explanation for what you have observed

A statement of hypothesis is often formatted so that both the observation/question and the explanation for the observation are part of the statement.For example:

The mass of the gum will increase when chewed, because saliva is being added to the gum as it is chewed.

orIf activity level is increased, then the heart has to work harder causing pulse rate to increase.

3. Test the hypothesis - ExperimentVariables:

Independent/Manipulated Variable = the ONE part of an experiment that a scientist tests/changes or manipulatesEx. amount of water given to seeds or fertilizer given to plants.

Dependent/Responding Variable = the part of an experiment affected by the manipulated variable & observed by the scientist.It should be measurable.Ex. amount of growth of a plant, or the number of times a heart beats in a minute

**Control = an identical experimental set up without the manipulated variable

It is used for comparison.

4. Analyze the resultsResults from repeated experiments should include:

ObservationsDrawings

MeasurementsComparisons

In the form of:NotesTablesCharts

GraphsPictures

5. Draw conclusions

Your conclusion should include 4 things:

1. A statement about your hypothesis – was it supported (correct) or refuted (incorrect)

2. An explanation of your results – explain what your results mean and how they supported or refuted your hypothesis

3. A critique of the experiment – what went well, what should be changed, mistakes, etc…

4. Questions for further investigation – what next?

6. Communicate Results The scientific method is used

universally world-wide.

This allows all scientists to communicate with one another.

Sharing information and repeating experiments reduces the effect of bias on the results

(Sooooo, Pete and Repeat were sitting on a fence. Pete fell off, who was left?..........)

BiasWhat is bias?

Bias is an inclination to present or hold a partial perspective at the expense of (possibly equally

valid) alternatives.A. Personal Bias – comes from a person’s likes and

dislikes• You like chocolate and so you think everyone else should

too.B. Cultural Bias – stems from the culture in which a

person grew up• If your culture is afraid of sharks, you might overlook how

well they contribute to the health of the oceans.C. Experimental Bias – a mistake in the design of an

experiment that makes a particular result more likely.• If a cigarette company produces research stating that

smoking is good for your health, we know this is likely the result of bias based on the company’s goal of selling cigarettes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahg6qcgoay4