The Scientific Method

A quick overview...

The scientific method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence.

There can be some variation, but scientists generally agree that the process consists of the following:

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/QuestionProblem/Question: • Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation.

• 2. Observation/ResearchObservation/Research: • Make observations and research your topic of interest.

Steps of the Scientific Method

• 3. Formulate a HypothesisFormulate a Hypothesis: • Predict a possible answer to the problem or question.

• Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.

Steps of the Scientific Method

• 4. ExperimentExperiment: • Develop and follow a procedure.

• Include a detailed materials list.

• The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).

Steps of the Scientific Method

• 5. Collect and Analyse Collect and Analyse ResultsResults: Modify the procedure if needed.

• Confirm the results by retesting.

• Include tables, graphs, and photographs.

Steps of the Scientific Method

• 6. ConclusionConclusion: • Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis.

• Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure.

Steps of the Scientific Method

• 7. Communicate the Communicate the ResultsResults:

• Be prepared to present the project to an audience.

• Expect questions from the audience.

Steps of the Scientific Method

Some things to consider...

Fair tests• Your experiment (and the write

up ) needs to be completed in such a way that anyone from anywhere can repeat the process and get similar results.

• Repeat trials

Variables• A variable is any factor in an

experiment which can change and which can affect the results

• Independent – the variable you change ON PURPOSE

• Dependent – the variable you MEASURE

• Controlled – all the things you have to keep the same to make the experiment fair.

Lets design an experiment!

STEP 1: QUESTION• Will Miss Simpson’s Miracle

Mixture actually help plants grow better?

STEP 2: Research/Observe

• You research online and find out that plants grow much bigger with at least 10% nitrogen in the soil.

• You observe that Miss Simpson’s Miracle Mixture contains 10% nitrogen.

Step 3: HYPOTHESIS

• “If Miss Simpson’s Miracle Mixture is added to plants, then the plant size will increase”

Step 4: Experiment • You set up a number (3) of pots

with no mixture, and the same number of pots with the Miracle Mixture.

• Determine the : independent, dependent & controlled variables for the experiment.

No miracle mixture Miracle mixture

Step 5: Collect Results

• How are you going to record your results?

• Video camera, measurements – height/weight?

• How often?• Averages?

• How are you going to graph your results?

No miracle mixture Miracle mixture

Step 6: Conclusion

• Summarise your results (data)

• Determine whether they support or refute your hypothesis.

Step 7: Communicate your findings

• Write a report or publish your findings online.

CautionBe careful how you use the words effect and affect.Effect is usually a noun and affect, a verb.“The effect of sugar amounts on the rising of bread.”“How does sugar affect the rising of bread?”

Now we start using PINK PIGS & BLUE

CATS