The Scientific Method Steps of the Scientific

The Scientific Method

Steps of the Scientific Method n n n The Scientific Method is used by all Scientists The Scientific Method is made up of many parts called “steps” The Scientific Method can be described as having anywhere from 5 -8 steps which are sometimes given different names

Steps of the Scientific Method n Remember these 6 steps: n Identify the Problem n Collect Information n Form a Hypothesis n Design and Carry Out an Experiment n Analyze Data n Draw Conclusions

STEP 1: Identify the Problem n n What problem needs to be solved? What question needs to be answered? n The PROBLEM is always stated in the form of a question. n Example: Which type of soda will help radish seeds grow best?

STEP 2: Collect Information n Your textbook or other resources can provide you with information before you make a hypothesis n Example: Look on the back of the radish seed packet to get information, look online to find what type of growing conditions radishes prefer, or buy a gardening book

STEP 3: Form a Hypothesis n n Use your prior knowledge and any new information you have collected A HYPOTHESIS is a prediction or statement that can be tested n Example: IF radish seeds are grown in Hawaiian Punch, THEN they will grow tallest.

STEP 4: Design and Carry Out Experiment n n Variables are what are tested in an experiment (dependent & independent) Only one variable is changed at a time. n Independent Variable: the variable that is changed. n n AKA-manipulated variable; X-axis Example: The type of liquid (diet coke, sprite, etc. ) Dependent Variable: the factor being measured. AKA-responding variable; Y-axis n Example: The height of the radish plant.

STEP 4: Design and Carry Out Experiment (continued) n Constants: the variables that stay the same n n Example: same amount of liquid, same amount of light, same number of seeds, etc. Control: a sample that is treated exactly like the other experimental groups except that the independent variable is not applied to it n It is under normal conditions n Example: The radish plant given water

STEP 4: Design and Carry Out Experiment (continued) n Number of Trials: to make sure that you are getting valid results, you will need to repeat the experiment several times

STEP 5: Analyze Data n Organize data by putting it into graphs, tables, and charts Type of Liquid Plant Height (in cm) Diet Coke 5 cm Sprite 0 cm Hawaiian Punch 10 cm Water 15 cm

STEP 6: Draw Conclusions n n Does your data support your hypothesis? n If the data supports the hypothesis, repeat the experiment to verify. n If the data does not support the hypothesis, change your hypothesis and try again. Why did you get these results? n What might have happened that could affect your results?

STEP 6: Draw Conclusions n n REMEMBER - There are no wrong hypothesis! n There are only results that don’t support your hypothesis Sample Conclusion: Hawaiian Punch is the best liquid for radish growth