Using the Scientific Method

In search of the truth…

Is There A Bigfoot?

I. What is the Scientific Method?

• The scientific method is a formal way of problem solving used by scientists.

• It is a universal way of thinking that was developed by many great minds……

- Aristotle (384 BC-322 BC)

- Italian physicist Galileo (1564–1642)

-English philosopher Francis Bacon (1561–1626)

I. What is the Scientific Method?

• The scientific method is fact based

• It is a way of thinking that does not rely on personal bias (opinion)

• The scientific method is used by advanced societies to find out the truth about the world we live in

II. Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Make an observation (use your senses)2. Identify a problem or question 3. Make a hypothesis (a testable guess)4. Design and perform an experiment (a plan for testing

the hypothesis)5. Collect, evaluate and analyze data (find meaning

through calculations and graphs)6. Draw a conclusion (a summary of what you have

learned)7. Communicate the results (write a paper, present a

poster, make a podcast, publish work in a scientific journal)

1. Observation

• Scientists use their senses to observe the natural world...They look for new patterns and new things not yet noticed by others

“Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure science”

2. Question or Problem

• Ask a question about what you observe

• Throughout your scientific process, always reflect upon and pay attention to the question you are trying to answer

3. Hypothesis

• A hypothesis is an “educated guess” that predicts the results of the investigation.

• The hypothesis is based on observation, previous studies, and research done on the topic.

• Hypothesis format:– If the (insert independent variable) does this,

then the (insert dependent variable) will do this

4. Experiment

• Develop a step by step safe procedure to answer the question

• The experiment should be “controlled”

• The results should be numerical when possible

• Repeat the experiment many times with multiple trials to get reliable and precise data

A controlled experiment is an experiment where all factors are the same except the

one being tested

5. Data

• Information collected in an experiment• Usually represented in a data table• Data that are measureable and numerical (numbers) are

called “quantitative” data (example: 100 degrees C).• Data that are non-numerical are called “qualitative” data

(example: it’s hot)• It is best to use quantitative data when working in

science• Data analysis involves looking for patterns in the data. • Graphs and tables are used to show relationships

among variables.

trial penny nickel

avg

6. Conclusion

• Based on your data analysis, state whether your hypothesis was confirmed or not

• Explain your answer to the original question and discuss sources of error

• It is acceptable to prove your hypothesis wrong if your scientific process still uncovered some truths about the world

7. Communicate Results• Write a lab report• Present your results to the class• Make a poster• Present a poster at a scientific convention• Make a blog• Record a podcast• Create a webpage• Write a masters or PhD thesis• Publish research in a peer-reviewed scientific journal (Nature,

Science, Journal of Cell Biology)• Publish an article in a magazine• Write a book• Make a documentary

Now what do you believe and how can you prove it?

• Ghosts?

• Aliens?

• Bigfoot?