Observation This is the first stage in understanding a problem
that you are solving by conducting an experiment. In this stage,
you collect information from your surroundings or from
research.
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Problem The specific problem or concept you are investigating.
Every step of the experiment is conducted to solve this
problem.
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Variable A factor or condition that can exist in differing
amounts or types. Many experiments have 3 different types of
variables.
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The 3 Variables Independent: The experimenter changes this
variable. Dependent: The variable that responds to the changes of
the independent variable. The experimenter observes the outcomes of
the change. Control: The factor that remains consistent.
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Variables in Good Experiments In a good experiment, there is
only one independent variable. That way, only one factor creating
change is observed at a time. In a good experiment, the
independent, dependent, and control variables, can be measured by
the scientist.
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Hypothesis An educated guess about how things work. Most of the
time, a hypothesis is written like this: If ____ [I do this] ____,
then ____ [this] ____ will happen. This must be worded so that it
can be tested in your experiment. Do this by writing the hypothesis
using your independent variable and your dependent variable.
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Experiment Test your hypothesis by changing the independent
variable and observing the changes of the dependent variable.
Record the change of your dependent variable. This is your
data.
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Experiment Participants People responding to your experiment.
For example, you might ask people to respond to a survey as your
experiment. Collect identifying information that might influence
their response to the survey. For example: age, gender, geographic
location.
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Experiment Tips Keep as many things in your experiment as
identical as possible so you isolate the tested variable. If you
have time, repeat the experiment! That way you can find out if your
results are accurate.
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Collecting Data Be consistent, careful, and accurate when you
take your measurements. There are 2 types of data Qualitative
descriptions of qualities Quantitative quantities or numerical
measurements Numerical measurements are best. Take pictures as you
conduct your experiment. They will be extremely valuable in your
presentation.
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Results An explanation of the data. Patterns are generally
noted. Usually reported in a graph or chart to see the pattern
easier.
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Conclusion The final step! State if the hypothesis was
supported or not. Its okay if the hypothesis is not supported!
Explain why you think the hypothesis was supported or not.
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Lemonade Experiment Example of the Scientific Method
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Observation Lemonade requires lemons, water, and sugar. I try
to watch how much sugar I consume. I wonder if I could use
different sweeteners like honey or agave nectar in my
lemonade?
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Problem If I make my lemonade with agave nectar or honey, then
will it taste as sweet as lemonade made with sugar?
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The 3 Variables Independent: Type of sweetener agave nectar and
honey Dependent: Taste of sweetness Control: Sugar
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Lemonade Experiment Hypothesis If I make lemonade using honey,
then it will be just as sweet as lemonade made with sugar. If I
make lemonade using agave nectar, then it will be just as sweet as
lemonade made with sugar. Independent variable: honey or agave
nectar Dependent variable: sweetness
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Experiment Set-Up I made 3 pitchers of lemonade Each pitcher
has equal amounts of lemon juice and water. In each pitcher, I
mixed cup of lemon juice into 5 cups of water. Pitcher A: I added
cup sugar Pitcher B: I added cup honey Pitcher C: I added cup agave
nectar
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Experiment Set-Up Each participant received 3 clear plastic
cups. Each cup was labeled to match the pitcher from which the
lemonade was poured. Three tablespoons of each lemonade were poured
into the corresponding plastic cup. Participants drank the lemonade
and ranked the sweetness on a 1 5 scale, with one being not sweet
to five being very sweet. Keep in mind: all of this information
should be written in your procedures section of your report.
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Experiment Title The effect of honey or agave nectar on the
sweetness of lemonade.
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Experiment Participants 25 people 12 males 13 females Average
age = 20 years Age matters in this experiment because studies have
shown that perceived sweetness changes with age.
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Data Sample Participant Pitcher A Sweetness Rating Pitcher B
Sweetness Rating Pitcher C Sweetness Rating A424 B423
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Pictures Make sure you show: Procedure making the lemonade,
setting up the pitchers and cups, participants drinking lemonade
Results if anyone had a strong physical reaction to drinking the
lemonade, like if they made a sour pucker face.
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Results Pitcher A (sugar): Participants indicated an average
rand on the sweetness scale of 4, sweet. Pitcher B (honey):
Participants indicated an average rank on the sweetness scale of 2,
somewhat sweet. Pitcher C (agave nectar): Participants indicated an
average rank on the sweetness scale of 4, sweet.
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Conclusion I I make lemonade using honey, then it will be just
as sweet as lemonade made with sugar. NOT supported. If I make
lemonade using agave nectar, then it will be just as sweet as
lemonade made with sugar. Supported. Agave nectar might be
perceived as sweeter than honey. Another study to evaluate the
sweetness differences between honey and agave nectar might provide
more information to determine whether or not this influenced
perceived sweetness of the lemonade.
