The Scientific Method A quick overview.... The scientific method involves a series of steps that are...
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Transcript of The Scientific Method A quick overview.... The scientific method involves a series of steps that are...
The Scientific Method
A quick overview...
The scientific method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence.
There can be some variation, but scientists generally agree that the process consists of the following:
Scientific Method• 1. Problem/Question• 2. Observation/Research• 3. Formulate a Hypothesis• 4. Experiment• 5. Collect and Analyze Results• 6. Conclusion• 7. Communicate the Results
Steps of the Scientific Method
• 1. Problem/QuestionProblem/Question: • Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation.
• 2. Observation/ResearchObservation/Research: • Make observations and research your topic of interest.
Steps of the Scientific Method
• 3. Formulate a HypothesisFormulate a Hypothesis: • Predict a possible answer to the problem or question.
• Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.
Steps of the Scientific Method
• 4. ExperimentExperiment: • Develop and follow a procedure.
• Include a detailed materials list.
• The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).
Steps of the Scientific Method
• 5. Collect and Analyse Collect and Analyse ResultsResults: Modify the procedure if needed.
• Confirm the results by retesting.
• Include tables, graphs, and photographs.
Steps of the Scientific Method
• 6. ConclusionConclusion: • Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis.
• Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure.
Steps of the Scientific Method
• 7. Communicate the Communicate the ResultsResults:
• Be prepared to present the project to an audience.
• Expect questions from the audience.
Steps of the Scientific Method
Some things to consider...
Fair tests• Your experiment (and the write
up ) needs to be completed in such a way that anyone from anywhere can repeat the process and get similar results.
• Repeat trials
Variables• A variable is any factor in an
experiment which can change and which can affect the results
• Independent – the variable you change ON PURPOSE
• Dependent – the variable you MEASURE
• Controlled – all the things you have to keep the same to make the experiment fair.
Lets design an experiment!
STEP 1: QUESTION• Will Miss Simpson’s Miracle
Mixture actually help plants grow better?
STEP 2: Research/Observe
• You research online and find out that plants grow much bigger with at least 10% nitrogen in the soil.
• You observe that Miss Simpson’s Miracle Mixture contains 10% nitrogen.
Step 3: HYPOTHESIS
• “If Miss Simpson’s Miracle Mixture is added to plants, then the plant size will increase”
Step 4: Experiment • You set up a number (3) of pots
with no mixture, and the same number of pots with the Miracle Mixture.
• Determine the : independent, dependent & controlled variables for the experiment.
No miracle mixture Miracle mixture
Step 5: Collect Results
• How are you going to record your results?
• Video camera, measurements – height/weight?
• How often?• Averages?
• How are you going to graph your results?
No miracle mixture Miracle mixture
Step 6: Conclusion
• Summarise your results (data)
• Determine whether they support or refute your hypothesis.
Step 7: Communicate your findings
• Write a report or publish your findings online.
CautionBe careful how you use the words effect and affect.Effect is usually a noun and affect, a verb.“The effect of sugar amounts on the rising of bread.”“How does sugar affect the rising of bread?”
Now we start using PINK PIGS & BLUE
CATS