The Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method

Scientific MethodScientific Method

The scientific method is a process process that is used to find that is used to find answers to questions answers to questions about the world about the world around us. around us.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

Is there only one “scientific Is there only one “scientific method”? method”? – No, there are several versions of the No, there are several versions of the

scientific method. scientific method. – Some Some versions have more steps, while versions have more steps, while

others may have only a few. others may have only a few.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

However, they all begin with the However, they all begin with the identification of a problem or a identification of a problem or a question to be answered based on question to be answered based on observations of the world around us.observations of the world around us.

They also provide an organized They also provide an organized method for conducting and analyzing method for conducting and analyzing an experiment.an experiment.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

What is a What is a hypothesishypothesis? ?

– It is an educated guess based on It is an educated guess based on observations and your knowledge of observations and your knowledge of the topic.the topic.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

What is What is datadata??

– It is information gathered during an It is information gathered during an experiment.experiment.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

Identify the Identify the ProblemProblem– What do you want to What do you want to

know or explain? know or explain? – Use observations Use observations

you have made to you have made to write a question that write a question that addresses the addresses the problem or topic you problem or topic you want to investigate.want to investigate.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

Form a Hypothesis– What do you think will happen? – Predict the answer to your question or the

outcome of the experiment.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

Create an ExperimentCreate an Experiment– How will you test your hypothesis? How will you test your hypothesis? – Develop a procedure for a reliable Develop a procedure for a reliable

experiment and address safety rules.experiment and address safety rules.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

The variable that is changed in an experiment is called the independent variable.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

The variable that you watch to see how it changes as a result of your changes to the independent variable is called the dependent variable.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

When graphing data that is collected, the independent variable is plotted on the x-axis (horizontal axis).The dependent variable goes on the y-axis.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

Perform an Experiment and Collect Perform an Experiment and Collect DataData– Follow the steps in your procedure to Follow the steps in your procedure to

perform your experiment. perform your experiment. – Record data and observations!Record data and observations!

Scientific MethodScientific Method

Analyze the DataAnalyze the Data– Is the data reliable? Is the data reliable? – Do your data and observations from the Do your data and observations from the

experiment support your hypothesis?experiment support your hypothesis?

Scientific MethodScientific Method

Is your data inaccurate or the Is your data inaccurate or the experiment flawed?experiment flawed?

If YES, modify the experiment.If YES, modify the experiment.– Rewrite your procedure to address Rewrite your procedure to address

the flaws in the original experiment.the flaws in the original experiment.– Perform the modified experiment and Perform the modified experiment and

analyze the new data.analyze the new data.

Scientific MethodScientific Method

If the data is reliable, If the data is reliable, communicate the resultscommunicate the results..– Write a conclusion that summarizes the Write a conclusion that summarizes the

important parts of your experiment and the important parts of your experiment and the results.results.

Assessment QuestionsAssessment Questions

Identify the dependent variable and the independent variable in the following experiments.

Question

A student tests the ability of a given chemical to dissolve in water at three different temperatures.

independent variable: dependent variable:

Answer

Question 1

Assessment QuestionsAssessment Questions

temperature ability to dissolve in water

A farmer compares how his crops grow with and without phosphorous fertilizers.

independent variable:

dependent variable:

Answer

Question 2

Assessment QuestionsAssessment Questions

presence of phosphorous fertilizer

crop growth