Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

September 10, 2013September 10, 2013

ObjectivesObjectives

1.1. Recognize the Steps of the Scientific Recognize the Steps of the Scientific MethodMethod

2.2. Understand the terminology that is Understand the terminology that is involvedinvolved

3.3. Use an example problem to work through Use an example problem to work through each of the Stepseach of the Steps

The The Scientific Scientific MethodMethod involves a involves a series of steps that series of steps that

are used to are used to investigate a investigate a

natural natural occurrence. occurrence.

Problem/QuestionProblem/Question

Observation/ResearchObservation/Research

Formulate a HypothesisFormulate a Hypothesis

ExperimentExperiment

Collect and Analyze ResultsCollect and Analyze Results

ConclusionConclusion

Communicate the ResultsCommunicate the Results

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

1.1. Problem/QuestionProblem/Question: : Develop a question or problem that Develop a question or problem that can be solved through can be solved through experimentation.experimentation.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

2. 2. Observation/ResearchObservation/Research: :

Make observations and research your Make observations and research your topic of interest.topic of interest.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

3. 3. Formulate a HypothesisFormulate a Hypothesis: :

Predict a possible answer to the Predict a possible answer to the problem or question.problem or question.

Example:Example: If If soil temperaturessoil temperatures rise, then rise, then plant growthplant growth will increase. will increase.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

4.4. ExperimentExperiment: : Develop and follow a Develop and follow a procedureprocedure..

Include a detailed Include a detailed materialsmaterials list. list. The outcome must be measurable The outcome must be measurable

(quantifiable).(quantifiable). Include tables, graphs, and Include tables, graphs, and

photographs.photographs.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

5. 5. Collect and Analyze ResultsCollect and Analyze Results: : Modify the procedure if needed.Modify the procedure if needed.Confirm the results by retesting.Confirm the results by retesting.Make recommendations for further Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to study and possible improvements to the procedure.the procedure.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

6. 6. ConclusionConclusion: :

Include a statement that accepts or Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis.rejects the hypothesis.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

7. 7. Communicate the ResultsCommunicate the Results: :

Be prepared to present the project to Be prepared to present the project to an audience.an audience.

Expect questions from the audience. Expect questions from the audience.

VariablesVariablesIndependentIndependent

a factor that’s a factor that’s varied (changed) varied (changed) by the by the experimenter.experimenter.

DependentDependent

the factor that the factor that may change may change (measuring) as a (measuring) as a result of changes result of changes made in the made in the independent independent variable.variable.

Control GroupControl Group standard of comparison.standard of comparison. may be a “no treatment" or an may be a “no treatment" or an

“experimenter selected” group.“experimenter selected” group.

exposed to the same conditions as the exposed to the same conditions as the experimental groupexperimental group except for the variable being tested.except for the variable being tested.

ConstantsConstants

factors that the factors that the

experimenter attempts experimenter attempts to keep the same. to keep the same.