Scientific MethodProblem solving strategyIt is an organized way of gathering and

communicating data. There is no single form of the method

What are the Steps to the Scientific Method?

Sometimes you will use all of

these skills, and sometimes you

won’t

1. State the Problem

2. Hypothesis – an educated guess about the answer to the question

Writing a HypothesisIdentify the variables (things) that could

affect the problem.Identify characteristics of each variableChoose 1 variable and 1 of its characteristics

to form the hypothesis.Write an if . . . . . . then . . . . . . statement

3. Experiment: Procedure / Observation

Factors in the ProcedureIdeally you are only testing 1 variable

at a time

All other factors should be designed to remain constant

Why?

Observations – information that you obtain through your senses.

Qualitative observations use your sensesQuantitative observations use instruments

Observation Rules: 1. Use as many senses as sensible 2. Be as descriptive as possible (Do not identify!!) 3. Do not “like” DESCRIBE!! 4. Avoid vague terms (ex: big, small, good, terrible, etc…)

Example Observations:Describe a lemon warhead candy A. Tastes sour B. Tastes bad Which is a better observation? A. Because doesn’t use vague

termsDescribe a pencil A. It looks like a candy cane. B. A cylindrical wooden object

with alternating red & white stripes.

Which is a better observation? B. Descriptive & no “like”

Set-Ups In an experiment, any factor that can change is

called a variable.

The manipulated/independent variable causes a change.

The responding/dependant variable changes in response to the manipulated variable.

A controlled experiment is an experiment in which only one variable, the manipulated variable, is deliberately changed at a time.

4. Data Analysis

This is when we see if we need to make any changes to our hypothesis after testing it.

5. Draw the conclusion

The ConclusionA statement of your opinion of the

facts revealed in the experiment.Your conclusion should:

Restate the problem.Restate the hypothesis.Relates data to both the problem and

hypothesis.

Once a conclusion has been tested several times, scientists can develop a theory, which is a well-tested explanation for a set of observations .

Does anyone know any theories?

Scientific Method - SummaryStep 1 – Problem/QuestionStep 2 – Hypothesis – educated guessStep 3 – Procedure/ExperimentationStep 4 – Data AnalysisStep 5 - Conclusion