Transcript Presentation

The Scientific
Method involves a
series of steps that
are used to
investigate a
natural
occurrence.
1.) Problem/Question
2.) Observation/Research
3.) Formulate a Hypothesis
4.) Experiment
5.) Collect and Analyze Results
6.) Conclusion
7.) Communicate the Results
Steps of the
Scientific Method
1. Problem/Question: Develop a
question or problem that can
be solved through
experimentation.
Example: Your car won’t start and
you’re late for school
Steps of the
Scientific Method
2. Observation/Research: Make
observations and research
your topic of interest.
Example.)Make Observations:
-Lights Battery?
-Starter?
-Gas?
-Other?
Steps of the
Scientific Method
3. Formulate a Hypothesis:
Predict a possible answer to
the problem or question.
Example: The lights were
left on all night it must be
the battery is dead
Steps of the
Scientific Method
4. Experiment: Develop and
follow a procedure.
Include a detailed materials list.
The outcome must be
measurable (quantifiable).
Example: Have somebody “jump” your car (charge
the battery)
Steps of the
Scientific Method
• 5. Collect and Analyze Results: Modify
the procedure if needed.
• Confirm the results by retesting.
• Include tables, graphs, and photographs.
Example: Did charging the battery make the car
start? Once you turn off the car, will it start again?
Steps of the
Scientific Method
6. Conclusion: Include a statement that
accepts or rejects the hypothesis.
Make recommendations for further
study and possible improvements to
the procedure.
Example: Charging the battery will help
start a car when it won’t turn on if the
battery is dead.
Steps of the
Scientific Method
7. Communicate the Results: Be
prepared to present the project
to an audience.
Scientific Method
Car Repair
Observation
Car won’t turn on.
Hypothesis (prediction)
Predict battery is dead.
Test
Replace battery.
Observe result
Engine now turns over.
Revise hypothesis?
Not needed.
New test?
Not needed.
Scientific Theory
Cars won’t work without a
fully charged battery.
Do you know the difference
between the independent
and dependent variables?
Variables
The independent variable (manipulated): is
the factor that you are changing.
The dependent variable(responding): is
the factor that may change as a result of
changes made in the independent
variable What you are measuring.
The control group: the group that serves as the
standard or comparison may get “no treatment”.
The control group is exposed to the same conditions
as the experimental group except for the variable
being tested (independent variable).
Constants
The constants in an experiment are all
the factors that the experimenter
attempts to keep the same
Constants might change the
outcome of the experiment
Example 1
• A new diet drug claims to be the most effective weight loss
supplement on the market. Design an experiment to test this
diet drug. Make sure to identify the independent, dependent
variables, control group and constants.
Question: Does the new diet drug help with weight loss?
Research:Do background research on diet drug
Hypothesis: Yes, I think it will help in weight loss/No, I don’t think it will help in weight loss.
Experiment:
Independent variable- New diet drug
Dependent variable- Weight loss
Control group- Group not taking new diet drug
Constants- Diet, amount of exercise, type of exercise, etc.
Conclusion:
Communicate Results:
Graphing Results
Time
Weight (lbs.)
(new diet drug)
Weight (lbs.)
(no diet drug)
Beginning
Weight
245
263
Week 1
240
260
Week 2
235
256
Week 3
232
253
Week 4
232
249
Week 5
231
245
Week 6
230
241
Week 7
230
240
Graphing Results
Weight Lost (lbs.)
7
Diet Drug vs. Weight Loss
Key
New Diet Drug
No Diet Drug
6
5
4
3
2
1
Time
Graphing Results
Example 2
Experiment:
Different liquids contain different additives that could potentially affect the
growth of a plant. This project will reveal how diet sierra mist (group A), orange juice
(group C), and water (group B) affect the growth of plants. By measuring the growth
(height) of each plant after watering them with the three liquids, I will be able to determine
what liquid more positively affects the plants’ growth.
Independent Variable: _____________________
Dependent Variable: ______________________
Control Group: __________________________
Constants: ______________________________
Time (days)
Plant Height A (cm)
Plant Height B (cm)
Plant Height C (cm)
1
4.5
4.5
4.5
2
5
4.5
4.5
3
5
5
5
4
6
5
5.5
5
6
5.5
5.5
6
6.5
5.5
6
7
6.5
5.5
6
8
6.5
5.5
6
9
7.2
6
6
10
7.2
6.5
6
11
7.3
6.5
5
12
7.3
6.5
5
13
7.3
6.5
3
14
7.4
6.5
3
15
7.4
6.7
3
16
7.4
6.6
3
17
7.5
6.3
2
18
7.5
5
2
19
7.5
6
2