The Scientific Method

A.ObserveB.QuestionC.Research

D. Hypothesize! (educated guess)

E. ExperimentF. Data

G. AnalyzeH. Conclude

Hypothesis vs. Theory

Hypothesis-1 explanation

Theory-◦many hypotheses proven over time!

◦fact/truth

The Skinny On the Sci Method

Fall 2013

Control Group vs. Experimental Group

Control group: group that is left alone

no variable is introduced to it! used for COMPARISON

Experimental group:group that is changedvariable introduced

Skinny on VariablesIndependent Variable

The factor that was changed

Dependent Variable:The result of the change

ScenarioMelly Sue has always wondered if her goldfish could withstand slightly colder water. She decides to perform a scientific experiment! After having done some research on goldfishes, she thinks that colder water will cause her fish’s heart rate to increase.

Problem:Will changing temperature affect goldfish

heart rate? Hypothesis:If temperature of environment decreases, then heart rate will increase.

750 F

550 F600 F

650 F700 F

1

4

32

5

CONTRO

LExper imenta l

Exper imenta l

Exper imenta l

Exper imenta l

Billy notices that the fish’s heart rate

decreased in the colder water,

because their gills opened and closed

slower.

RULESEvery variable is kept the same, except for

the independent variableEx: same fish bowl

same water same fish food same exposure to light same environmental stress

Unavoidable Source of Experimental Error: the fish themselves

Independent Variable:The decreasing temperature of the water.

Dependent Variable: Decreasing heart rate

Data:

Temperature (F) Heart Rate (BPM)

75 30

70 28

65 25

60 20

55 18

Results

70 65 60 5515

20

25

30

Temperature (F)

Hea

rt R

ate

(bpm

)

Conclusion: -Restate the problem. -Was the hypothesis correct? -Use data to support hypothesis.

The experiment used the scientific _______ to test how ____ _____of fish would be affected by decreasing_______. The hypothesis was ______ correct, because decreasing temperature caused a ________ heart rate in the fish. The data collected showed that at 70 F, the heart rate was _______. At 60 F, the heart rate was _________. The results concluded that there was a ________ trend of heart rate with decreasing ________.