Scientific Method

I. Scientific Inquiry

A. Inquiry = To ask questions How do you learn from asking questions? No single way to gain knowledge!

B. With answers from questions you gain a bank of skills to help you find answers to even more questions

II. Scientific Research

A. Scientists perform research and make observations to state possible explanations to questions.

B. Using the Scientific Method they test these explanations to answer their questions

III. Scientific MethodA. There are several versions of the

scientific method. However, they all begin with the identification of a problem or a question to be answered based on observations of the world around us.

IV. Steps of the Scientific Method

1. State Your QuestionWhat do you want to know or explain? Use

observations you have made to write a question. 2. Form a HypothesisWhat do you think will happen? Predict the answer

to your question or the outcome of the experiment.

 3. Create Experiment/Perform ExperimentHow will you test your hypothesis? Develop a

procedure for a reliable experiment and address safety rules. Follow the steps in your procedure to perform your experiment. Record data and observations!

IV. Steps of the Scientific Method

4. Analyze Data

Is the data reliable? Does your data and observations from the experiment support your hypothesis?

orIs your data inaccurate or the experiment

flawed? (If not Rewrite your procedure to address the flaws in the original experiment)   

5. Communicate Results

Write a conclusion that summarizes the important parts of your experiment and the results.

V. VariablesA. In any experiment there are several

variables that must be understood including:1. Independent Variable – factor that is changed

2. Dependent Variable – factor that changes as a result of the independent variable

3. Control – does not receive the independent variable

4. Standardizing Variable - constants

Variable ExampleIn order to find if hummingbirds have a color

preference.

Set Up:

Independent variable:

Dependent variable:

Standardized variable:

VI. Graphing VariablesA. Once the data has been collected it

needs to be represented so that the results can be shared and easily understood.1. Graphs – reveal patterns or trends

a. Bar graphs - show comparisonsb. Line graphs – show trends over time

VI. Graphing VariablesB. When creating a graph the independent

variable (manipulated) always goes along the “X” axis while the dependent variable (responsive) goes along the “Y”

Dr. DRY MIX

Independent or ManipulatedX-axis

Dependent or ResponsiveY-axis

VI. Theory vs. LawA. Theory B. Law1. Patterns observed

repeatedly.2. NOT guesses or

opinions3. Supported by

observations & results and are the “best” explanations that have been found so far

4. Can be change as new data becomes available

1. Rules that describe a pattern in nature

2. DO NOT explain how things work or why they exist or why something happens