September 9, 2009

• What is the scientific method and why is it important?

Q: What is the Scientific Method?

Q: What is the Scientific Method?

• A Logical set of steps used to solve a problem

• 6 steps

1. Problem/Question

• What is it we are trying to figure out or solve?

• May not be in question

format

2. Hypothesis

• Educated OPINION

• Possible answer to question/problem

• We must first gather some information before we can form a hypothesis!

• “If…., Then…” statement (whenever possible!)

3. Experiment/Procedure

• Allows us to test our hypothesis

• Includes a list of materials to be used AND the steps to follow

• Always composed of 2 parts

Part A: Control Group(“Normal Group”)

• Constants: parts of the experiment that stay the same (you will have many of these)

• Ex: Amount of sunlight, Type of soil, Temperature, Humidity, etc.

Part B: Experimental Group

• Has EXPERIMENTAL factors that change throughout the experiment

• You must have only ONE factor you are changing

• EX. Amount of water given to plant

The factor that changes in the experimental group is called the

VARIABLE.

There can be 2 kinds of

variables.

Variable 1: Independent

• This is the factor that is changed or added by the scientist (you)

• The independent variable is ALWAYS changed in the experimental group.

• We call this the CAUSE

Variable 2: Dependent

• This is the factor that changes as a result of the independent variable.

• We do NOT control how much this changes!

• We call this the EFFECT.

6 Steps of Scientific Method

4. Gather Data/Observations :– Data and observations can be in

the form of • Graphs• Charts• Words• Etc

Types of Data

There are 2 types of data you should ALWAYS have when using the scientific

method.

1. Quantitative datadeals with NUMBERS (quantities)

2. Qualitative datadeals with WORDS (qualities)

5. Analysis

• Where you EXPLAIN your results

• WHY did things happen?

• What mistakes did I make?

• If I were to do this again, how would I change it?

6. Conclusion

• Where you tell if your hypothesis was correct or not.

• Did you see what you expected? Or were your results different from what you thought

• DO NOT SAY: Yes, my hypothesis was correct.

Plant Example

1. Problem: How does the amount of water affect the growth of my plant?

2. Hypothesis: If I add more water, then the plant will grow taller.

Plant Example Cont

3. Experiment:

–Control Group: Plant with same amount of water every day (ex. 2 tablespoons)

–Experimental Group: Plants receiving more or less water than control (ex. None, 1, 3, 4, etc)

Plant Example Cont

• Independent variable- Amount of water

(think: what are WE changing or controlling?)

• Dependent variable: Height of plant

(Think: What is changing as a result of the change above?)

Plant Example Cont

4. Data and Observations• Graph of amount of water vs. height• Table with data• Written observations: color of plants,

wilting, etc

Plant Example Cont

5. Analysis• Why do you think you saw the results

you did? • What science facts support your

findings?• Mistakes/Next time

Plant Example Cont

6. Conclusion• Was your hypothesis correct or not?• My results supported my hypothesis

because an increase in water resulted in taller plants.

• My results did not support my hypothesis because the plants were not taller when given more water.

AGENDA ITEMS

1. Syllabus Signatures and Parent Homework- As soon as possible

2. Simpsons/SpongeBob Homework