Scientific Method Freeman Examine the two types of cookies on the next slide. Answer the following: Which cookie would you eat first: A or B? List at least 2 reasons why you would eat that cookie first. WHICH WOULD YOU PREFER? COOKIE A COOKIE B Steps of the Scientific Method Observation/Question Hypothesis Experiment Analyze Data Type of Data: Quantitative Type of Data: Qualitative Practice with Quantitative and Qualitative Data Conclusion Publish Data Types of Variables: Independent Definition: what is changed by the scientist (experimenter) Explanation: What is tested? What is manipulated? Types of Variables: Dependent Definition: what might be affected by the change Explanation: What is observed? What is measured? The data collected during the investigation Types of Variables: Constant Definition: something that is not changed but remains the same throughout Explanation: Allows for a comparison of data Lets Practice!!!!!! Example #1 Students of different ages were given the same jigsaw puzzle to put together. They were timed to see how long it took to finish the puzzle. Identify: Dependent variable: Independent variable: Constant: Dependent Variable: Time: How long it took the students to put it together Independent Variable: Ages of the Students Constant: Same Puzzle Example #2 An investigation was done to see how different fertilizers would affect plant growth Identify: Dependent variable: Independent variable: Constant: Dependent Variable: Plant Growth Independent Variable: Fertilizers Constant: Same plant, same location, etc. Example #3 An investigation was done with an electromagnetic system made from a battery and wire wrapped around a nail. Different sizes of nails were used. The number of paper clips the electromagnet could pick up was measured. Identify: Dependent variable: Independent variable: Constant: Dependent Variable: Number of paper clips picked up Independent Variable: Size of nails Constant: Battery, wire, type of nail, etc Example #4 The higher the temperature of water, the faster an egg will boil. Identify: Dependent variable: Independent variable: Constant: Dependent Variable: Time to cook an egg Independent Variable: Temperature of water Constant: Type of egg, amount of water, pan used, etc. Example #5 The temperature of water was measured at different depths of a pond. Identify: Dependent variable: Independent variable: Constant : Dependent Variable: Temperature Independent Variable: Depth of water Constants: Pond measured, thermometer, time of day