The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that are used to solve a problem
1. Problem/Question2. Formulate a Hypothesis3. Test the Hypothesis (Experiment)
4. Collect Data and Analyze Results
5. Accept/Reject Hypothesis6. Conclusion or Revise Hypothesis
Steps of the Scientific Method
1. Problem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation. This should be specific, not have a “yes/no” answer.
Caution!When writing the problem/question, be careful how you use effect and
affect.
Effect is usually a noun, affect is usually a verb.
“ The effect of sugar amounts on the rising of bread.”
“How does sugar affect the rising of bread?”
Steps of the Scientific Method
2. Formulate a Hypothesis: A testable prediction of the answer to the problem or question.
A hypothesis is written as an if/then statement
If (insert your hypothesis), then…
Example: If soil temperatures affects plant growth, then as soil temperature increases, plant growth will increase.
Steps of the Scientific Method
3. Experiment: Develop and follow a procedure. Include a detailed materials list. The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).
Steps of the Scientific Method
4. Collect Data and Analyze Results:
Organize the results of the experiment.
May be quantitative (numbers) or qualitative (descriptive)
Include tables, graphs, and photographs.
5. Accept/Reject Hypothesis:
Based on the analysis of the data.
Steps of the Scientific Method
6. Conclusion: The answer to the hypothesis based on the data obtained from the experiment.
Think you can name all six steps?
Flip over your notes…. You have one minute… GO!
Target 3: Create a hypothesis from a question using an if/then statement.Create an “if/then” statement for each question.
1. Will placing plants in sunlight make them grow taller?
Answer: If plants are put in sunlight, then they will grow taller.
2. Does eating carrots make your skin turn orange?Answer: If one eats carrots, then his/her skin will turn orange.orIf one eats carrots, then his/her skin will not turn orange
Target 4: Identify the independent and dependent variables when given a hypothesis, data table or graph.
VariablesTwo definitions:
A variable is something that is changed
A constant, or control, is something that does not change
Do you know the difference between the independent and dependent variables?
A. They are the same thingB. The independent variable changes, the dependent variable
stays the sameC.The independent variable changes, the dependent variable is
the variable being measuredD.The independent variable is the things that stay the same
during the experiment, the dependent variable is standard used for comparison
Science experiments use…Independent Variable: the one factor that
is changed by the person doing the experiment
Dependent Variable: the factor which is measured in the experiment
Constants: all the factors that stay the same in an experiment
A birdy example…Imagine you want to see what color of bird
feeders your local birds preferred.
Red? Blue? Green?
Identify the independent and dependent variables and the constants
Our Constants and VariablesIndependent Variable: color of the feeders
Dependent Variable: amount of seed eaten
Constants: everything else that is kept the same, for example:the location of the feedersthe kind of feeder usedputting the feeders out at the same time
Our Experimental DesignConstants Location of feeders
Kind of seedType of feeder
IndependentVariable Red Blue Green
DependentVariable
Amount of Seed Eaten
Amount of Seed Eaten
Amount of Seed Eaten
Scientific Method Gum Lab
Metric System (SI units)
Is a decimal system based on 10K H Da g, m, l d c mKids hate doing grammar during cold months
math, literature
Example:.001 kg .01 hg .1 dag 1g 10 dg 100 cg 1000 mg
Used throughout the scientific world
Used by scientists and hospitals
Units in the Metric System (SI units)
length meter m
volume liter L
mass gram g
temperature Celsius °C
Stating a Measurement
In every measurement there is
a
¨ Number
followed by a
¨ Unit from measuring device
Questions????
What is the SI unit of measurement in each of the following examples?
A. The patient’s temperature is 55°C.
B. The sack holds 5 decagrams of potatoes.
C. It is 8 kilometers from your house to
school.
D. The bottle holds 2 L of orange soda.
Solution
A. °C (degrees Celsius)
B. dag
C. kilometers
D. L (liters)
Learning Check Identify the measurement in SI units. A. John’s height is1) 1.5 yards 2) 6 feet 3) 2
meters
B. The volume of saline in the IV bottle is
1) 1 liters 2) 1 quart 3) 2 pints
C. The mass of a lemon is1) 12 ounces 2) 145 grams 3) 0.6
pounds
Solution A. John’s height is
3) 2 meters
B. The volume of saline in the IV bottle is
1) 1 liter
C. The mass of a lemon is2) 145 grams
OBSERVATION vs. INFERENCE
ObservationsThe ability to
notice significant
detailsGathered through
your sensesA scientist
notices something in their natural
world
Observations
An example of an observation might be noticing that
many salamanders near a pond have
curved, not straight, tails
ObservationRecord 5 observations about this science
classroom.1.2.3.4.5.
InferenceA conclusion reached
on the basis of evidence and reasoning.
An example, Salamanders have curved tails when exposed to certain chemicals.
List 3 inferences about this classroom1.
2.
3.
ExamplesObservations
That plant is extremely wilted.
The car stopped running
The Reds are leading their division
Inferences
That plant is extremely wilted due to a lack of water.
The car stooped running because it was out of gas.
The Reds are leading their division because they are playing well right now.
More examplesWhat observations
can we make about this picture?
What can we infer based on this picture?
Look at these two sets of animal tracks.
List 3 OBSERVATIONS
Make an INFERENCE
Now what do you think?
Make 3 OBSERVATIONS
Make an INFERENCE
Now what do you think?
Make 3 OBSERVATIONS
Make an INFERENCE
Target 5: Identify the control and experimental groups in an experiment.
Control Group In a scientific experiment, the control is the group that serves as the standard of comparison.The control group may be a “no treatment" or an “experimenter selected” group.
Control Group The control group is exposed to the same
conditions as the experimental group, except
for the variable being tested.
All experiments should have a control group.
Control Group Because his grandmother always used 50g of sugar in her recipe, John is going to
use that amount in his control group.
Write down 5 observations and 2 inferences based on the photo below.