The Scientific Method NOTES AND PAPERCLIP LAB

Step #1 STATE THE PROBLEM

The problem identifies what you want to find out.

Be SPECIFIC

In form of questions.

Ex. “How does _______ affect ________?

Ex. “What is the effect of ___________ on _________?

Step #1 STATE THE PROBLEM

PAPERCLIP LAB:

Question:

“How many paperclips can I fit in a full cup of water, without it spilling?”

Step #2 RESEARCH

Write down what you already know.

Use books, articles, experts, and internet.

Reliable sources (.edu .gov .org NOT Wikipedia)

If you find the answer the your question, you don’t need to move on.

Step #2 RESEARCH

PAPERCLIP LAB:

Paperclips all the same size

Brand Name

Water displacement

Water properties

Books?

Internet?

Step #3 HYPOTHESIS

HYPOTHESIS: explanation based upon prior research or observations AND can be tested.

NOT AN EDUCATION GUESS!!!

Must relate to your problem.

Not everyone will have the same hypothesis.

** IF or THEN statement.

Ex: If ……… Then ……..

Step #3 HYPOTHESIS

PAPERCLIP LAB:

If I put _______ paperclips in the cup, then it will spill.

Step #4 EXPERIMENT

Test to support or deny your hypothesis.

Variables: something that changes in an experiment

Independent Variable – a variable that the scientist physically changes

Dependent Variable – the variable that is being measured. “THE RESULT”

Only 1 independent variable

Controlled Experiment – when only 1 factor at a time is being tested using a control group and experimental group.

Control – the scientist does not change

Experimental – science will changed something

Constants –what is kept the same in control and experimental groups.

Step #4 EXPERIMENT

PAPERCLIP LAB:

1. Fill plastic cup almost to the top with water. Take back to seat.

2. Fill beaker less than half full with water. Take back to seat.

3. Fill plastic cup to the top. You will see the water bulge over top of cup.

4. Add 1 paperclip at a time to cup of water.

5. Continue adding paperclips to cup until water spills. Keep count of paperclips as you add.

6. Record the number of paperclips you fit in your cup of water.

7. Pour some water into the beaker to decrease the water in the cup.

8. Empty all water from beaker and cup. Dry area.

Step #5 RECORD & ANALYZE DATA

Make observations using your 5 senses.

See, Smell, Touch, Taste, Hear

Ex. Fizzing, color change, bitter, sweet

Measurable data – meters, grams, liters

Be consistent in recording your data.

Create tables and charts.

Create graphs from collected data

Usually line graphs or bar graphs in science

Step #5 RECORD & ANALYZE DATA

PAPERCLIP LAB:

# of paperclips I fit in cup before spilling: ______

* We could record the class average of paperclips*

Step #6 STATE THE CONCLUSIONS

Restate the purpose of experiment.

State if the hypothesis was correct or incorrect.

Consider improvements for your experiment.

Step #6 STATE THE CONCLUSIONS

PAPERCLIP LAB:

The purpose of the experiment was to find out how many paperclips I could fit in a full cup of water without it spilling. Originally, I believe I

could fit _____ paperclips into the cup of water. My hypothesis was (correct/incorrect) because ________________________. I could improve my experiment by ______________________________________________________.

STEP #7 REPEAT EXPERIMENT FOR ACCURACY

Experiments completed the same way may have different results.

To be VALID and ACCURATE, scientist always repeat their experiments multiple times.

Once an experiment is completed multiple times with the same results, a scientist will publish their findings.