NOTES: THE SCIENTFIC METHOD

To study something scientifically, it must be:

  1. Observable: We can use any/all of our 5 senses to gather data.
  1. Measurable:We can record specific data (numbers/changes) and can compare one result to another.
  1. Objective: The results CANNOT be based on our own or others’ opinions.

The ScientificMethod is a systematic approach to problem solving. We usually see it divided into 7 distinct steps:

  1. PROBLEM: The question we want to answer. It is always stated as a question.
  1. RESEARCH: Gathering information based on what we already know about the problem, in addition to any information relevant to our topic from other sources.
  1. HYPOTHESIS: An educated guess based on what is known and/or our research—It should always be written as an “If…, then…” statement.
  1. EXPERIMENT: We perform an experiment to test the hypothesis. We must be able to repeat the exact same experiment multiple times in order to make sure our results are accurate.
  1. OBSERVATIONS: A record of everything that happened in the experiment—When accurate and precise observations are recorded in an organized fashion, we can repeat the experiment more easily and compare one result to the next.
  1. ANALYSIS: We organize our data into charts and/or graphs to identify trends and patterns. This allows us to make decisions about our results in the experiment and later form valid conclusions.
  1. CONCLUSION: A series of logical statements based on data from the experiment—It explains whether or not the data supports the hypothesis and why or why not.

ON THE BACK, YOU WILL COME UP WITH A PROBLEM THAT FITS THE 3 CRITERIA FOR A SCIENTIFIC STUDY.

Create an experimental problem that fits the 3 criteria for a scientific study—Be sure to write it as a question!

______

Explain how your problem is:

  • Observable: ______
  • Measurable: ______
  • Objective: ______

Identify the:

  • Controls: ______
  • Independent Variable: ______
  • Dependent Variable: ______

Write a possible hypothesis for your problem—Be sure to write it in an “If…, then…” format and include the independent and dependent variables in the appropriate part of the hypothesis.

______

In a real experiment, we would have to list the steps, one by one, and be very specific, but in the space below, just summarize the necessary steps to conduct your experiment, including important things to keep in mind:

______

Set up a data table that would be feasible for your experiment in the space below (Insert fake data so that you can complete the next step). Make sure your table allows for input from multiple trials:

Identify the type of graph that would be most appropriate to use with your experiment: ______Sketch your graph in the space below—Make sure to put the independent and dependent variables on the correct axes (Independent on the x-axis and Dependent on the y-axis) and give your graph an appropriate title (that tells us what we are comparing). Use your data from above to complete the graph: