Scientific Method 6 Steps to Follow Scientific

Scientific Method 6 Steps to Follow

Scientific Method § Scientific Method: A series of organized procedures used to solve problems § Is a problem solving technique. § All scientist use this method to answer questions. § What are the steps? 1. State the Problem 2. Research 3. Form a Hypothesis 4. Test/Experiment 5. Analyze Data 6. Draw a conclusion

Purpose of Project § Explain why you are doing your project. l Example: I noticed that when we place bread in a drawer it doesn’t get moldy as fast as when it is left on the counter. With the cost of groceries rising, I thought that this experiment might show a way of keeping bread fresher longer and save my family a little money.

1. State the Problem § In question form. § Must be open-ended. In other words, it can not be answered with a yes or a no. § It must be testable. § Something you don’t know the answer to. § Must be specific.

2. Research § Used to educate yourself on your topic. § Do use many references from printed sources—books, journals, magazines, and newspapers—as well as electronic sources—computer software and online services. § Do gather information from professionals —instructors, librarians, and scientists, such as physicians and veterinarians.

Bell Work 9/17/2009 § Woo. Hoo it is almost Friday!!! § Question: l l What do you now know about “Matter”, that you didn’t know before? Get ready to turn in your matter research paragraphs.

3. Form a Hypothesis § This is your prediction, based on the research you have done, that will answer your purpose statement. § It is a prediction that can be tested § Your hypothesis will be stated in an “If…. , then…. ” statement. § Example: “If fertilizer A is used on the plants, then the plants will grow larger”

Variables § IV - Independent § DV - Dependent Variable l What you physically l The outcome you change in the are desiring to experiment. achieve. l Example: the l This variable is what amount of light is being measured. each piece of white l Example: the bread receives. amount of mold grown over a period of time.

Variables Con’t § Constants § Control l these are things that l this is in the norm. could change in the l you compare experiment but you everything to this. will keep the same through each trial. l Example: White l Example: type of bread that is left out bread, same brand of based on how it is bread, bought on the normally kept at same day, used same your house. type of light, same room temperature.

Bell Work 9/18/2009 § Identify the IV & DV in the following statement: If you were measuring the growth rate of plants under full sunlight for 8 hours a day versus plants that only have 4 hours of full sunlight per day.

4. Performing the Experiment § List materials needed first. § Write the procedure. l l They must be numbered. In logical order and easy to follow. § Do have only one independent variable during an experiment. § Do repeat the experiment more than once to verify your results. § Do have a control.

5. Analyze Data § Written description of all data. Facts only. § Examples: Data tables and graphs/charts

6. Conclusion: Your conclusion must answer your purpose question and support or reject your hypothesis 1 st Paragraph – State whether your hypothesis was correct or incorrect. Explain why - support with research data 2 nd Paragraph – State any experimental errors and explain what went right or wrong. What you would do differently to correct any problems, in this experiment 3 rd Paragraph – Give your opinion of the lab. Was it helpful, why or why not?

Bell Work 9/21/2009 Journal check today, please look for the following in your science journal. 9 -14: No BW / Scientific Method notes -5 points 9 -15: Notes from internet research over Matter- 10 points 9 -16: none 9 -17: BW: Question over Matter / Notes: Hypothesis to Variables page – 8 points 9 -18: BW: IV & DV example / Notes: Experiment to Conclusion – 8 points

Bell Work 10/5/09 § 10/5: Study guide for Scientific method test § 10/6: SM test § 10/7: Pass out study guide for benchmark § 10/8: Meet in Projection room / Review for final § 10/9: Meet in upstairs instructional lab / 1 st Quarter Benchmark final test

Bell Work Today 10/1 § Quiz today!!! § You have few minutes to look through the matter & energy book or look over your vocabulary