Jan 18, 2016
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