Science Inquiry Performing the

Experiment

Collecting & Presenting Data

In your lab notebook, please answer as best you can:

1. What are the four MAIN steps of the Scientific Method? • Observation, Hypothesis, Experiment, Conclusion

2. What happens during the FIRST step of the Scientific Method? • Observe the world around you, recognize a problem/curiosity, ask a testable

question, and gather background information

3. What is an “If…, then…, because…” statement that gives an educated guess to the scientific question being investigated?• Hypothesis

4. What are the things in an experiment that will change called?• Variables

5. Name what IV and DV stand for and explain what they are. • IV = Independent Variable, the thing you choose to test/change (cause)• DV = Dependent Variable, the measured response to the IV (effect)

Bonus Q: What are the things in an experiment that do NOT change called & why are they important?

Review Quiz 13

Bias in Scientific Research

• Hypothesizing requires speculation– bias is an assumed belief that affect the way you see and

understand things– bias is always present when formulating a hypothesis

• The Scientific Method forces only the facts to be considered– seeks to eliminate variables that can skew

results – encourages collaboration & accountability

• shared results, repeated studies– still, bias is ALWAYS present & affects

many research outcomes

The Scientific Method - Experiment

• What will you need to perform your experiment?– List of materials

• Fine-tune your list, plan ahead• Remember safety equipment

• HOW will you perform the experiment?– Step-by-step procedure

• Specific and detailed!• Include method of data collection

– DEMO: Build a Model

Lab Safety

• Read, listen, and follow directions carefully.• NO gum, food or drinks during lab time.• Proper attire (shoes, hair, protective items).

– Goggles, labs coats & gloves will be provided.• Eyewash sink (for skin, too).• Fumes.• Clean-up (proper disposal). *NOT down the drain*

The Scientific Method – Performing the Experiment

• Write down your: – Modified List of Materials

• Add to or remove items from your previous list• Plan on enough materials for MULTIPLE TRIALS• Include safety gear/supplies

– Detailed List of Procedures• Step-by-step• Numbered list• Objective (measurable) data collection• Planned ahead with written instructions, but edit in

detail as the experiment is performed

State the Problem (as a ?)

Do Background Research

"Best Guess" Solution

Design (Materials & Procedures)

Perform (Collect & Analyze Data)

Report Results

Hypothesis is False or Partly True

Hypothesis is True

Revise! Try Again

Conclusion

Experiment

Hypothesis

Observation

Experiment Procedures

• To perform an experiment, you need written procedures. Why?– to record EXACTLY what you did

• Detailed, step-by-step instructions• Specific list of materials (name brand of soap used, etc.)

– so it can be repeated (by you or others)

Experiment Data Collection

• As you perform the experiment, observations and data must be recorded.– measurements listed in a chart– written observations– drawings– photos

Magnet Type(Independent Variable)

Distance to Paper Clip (cm)(Dependent Variable)

N PoleTrial 1 Trial 2

S PoleTrial 1 Trial 2

Midway between N & S

Ceramic bar

Neodymium disc

Oval hematite

The Scientific Method - Conclusion

• Next, an analysis of the data is required:– numbers, observations, and measurements are broken

down, organized, and studied to gain better understanding– patterns often emerge, showing cause-and-effect

relationships

• After analyzing your data, you form a CONCLUSION– The measurements, when compared, showed an average 1.6 mm

difference in length and .8 mm difference in width.– The cast was almost identical in shape, but did not fit into the mold of

the hypothesized animal because it was 7 mm smaller in width and 4 mm shorter length-wise.

– This supports the hypothesis that the animal tracks were made by...

The Scientific Method

• If hypothesis is rejected– modify and repeat

• If hypothesis is supported– repeat to verify results– share findings and let others perform the experiment

• Either way, something was learned!– NEVER make up results simply because you

think it was “supposed” to go differently

State the Problem (as a ?)

Do Background Research

"Best Guess" Solution

Design (Materials & Procedures)

Perform (Collect & Analyze Data)

Report Results

Hypothesis is False or Partly True

Hypothesis is True

Revise! Try Again

Conclusion

Experiment

Hypothesis

Observation

F = Gm1m2

r2

Fact - Theory - Law

• Fact:– an objective, verifiable observation of

something that occurs in our natural world– i.e. gravity, natural selection, heat exchange

• Theory:– an explanation of how natural occurrences work

• it can be repeated, and tested with predictable results• a hypothesis that is proven correct often explains part of theory

– i.e. Theory of Gravity, Theory of Evolution, Kinetic Theory of Matter

• Law:– a mathematical description of observable phenomenon– i.e. Newton's First Law of Universal Gravitation