Scientific Method

Class Experiment/Mini Board Project Notes

Berrios-Chacon8th Grade Science

2015-2016

Scientific Method

A series of planned steps used to answer questions and to solve problems

•Used in any science experiment or project.

•Used everyday since you were born.

8 Steps of the Scientific Method

QuestionObservationInferenceHypothesisExperimentResultsAnalysis

Conclusion

QueensOfferIndiansHelpEatingRaspberriesAnd Cherries

Scientific Method

QuestionObservationInferenceHypothesisExperimentResultsAnalysisConclusion

What do you want to know?Use 5 senses (6 senses for

girls)Prior knowledgeIf/then/because statementTest/ProceduresDataOrganize data (graph)What did you find out?

Does the amount of Alka Sletzer affect the time it takes to react?

Question

Observation…

•Alka Seltzer is white in color•Smooth texture•Powdery surface•Circular Shape•Brittle•Fild cannnister is plastic/smooth texture•Cylinder in shape•Transparent•Has Removalbe lid

Inference….

•Alka Seltzer is used to medicate stomach problems•Dissolves in water•Alka Seltzer cause chemical reaction•Even the smallest amount of Alka Seltzer can cause a chemical reactino.

Hypothesis

If the amount of Alka Selzter is increased, then the reaction time will decrease because very small amounts of Ala Selzter causes a chemical reaction.

Materials

• Alka Seltzer– ¼ Tablet– ½ Tablet– 1 whole Tablet• 1 cup of water• 3 Plastic film cannisters• Stop Watch• Journal• Pencil

Experiment

Control-A standard for

comparison in an experiment.

-all the components that are kept the same.

VariableA changeable factor in a controlled investigation. -Only one variable should be tested at a time during an experiment!

2 Types of Variables

1. Independent Variables

-the variable we change

2. Dependent Variables-the thing being measured

Identify Variables

Independent:(What are we changing/testing?)

The amount of Alka Selzter

Dependent:(what are we measuring?)

The reaction time ( The time it takes to

explode)

Controls for ExperimentThe things that MUST remain the same for your experiment to be valid

1. Amount and Temperature of Water 2. Size of canisters

3. Brand of Alka Seltzer

4. Location

5. Environmental Factors

Experiment/Procedures1. Pour water into canister half full.2. Place canister on flat surface.3. Carefully drop ¼ tablet inside canister, quickly close lid, stand back, start timer.4. Observe5. Take final time when canister pops.6. Record results7. Repeat steps 1-6 for all other tablet amounts

Time to go blow stuff up!!.....Because it’s Science!

Results¼ Tablet ½ Tablet 1 Tablet

18 Seconds 7 Seconds 4 Seconds

Making Graphs

-Use a straight edge-Title the Graph-Include values of pie slices or bars-Color-Label your axis.

DRY/MIX

D

R

Y

M I X

ependent

esults

-axis

odify ndependent -axis

Analysis/GraphT

ime

(Sec

onds

)

Amount of Alka Seltzer

5

10

15

20

¼ Tablet ½ Tablet 1 Tablet

18 Seconds

4 Seconds

7 Seconds

BOOM!!

ConclusionParagraph Form3rd person

• What does the data tell us?• Was the hypothesis correct?• Were any mistakes made?• How could we change the experiment in the

future?• What was learned from this experiment?• How can we apply this to real life?

• Conclusion (Paragraph Form)• After running the experiment, it was evident

that as the amount of Alka Seltzer increased, there was a decrease in reaction time.

• The hypothesis was correct. The whole Alka seltzer had the fastest reaction time.

• There were no errors in the experiment. • In the future, the scientist will add more trials,

test more amounts, and may also change the independent variable to water.

• This experiment would be beneficial in medicine and help create public awareness about the increased effects and possible rapid treatment of stomach problems in people.

Introduction ChecklistWritten in paragraph form3rd PersonQuestionObservationsInferencesHypothesisIndependent VariableDependent VariableResearch