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Scientific Method Recipe for great results

A step-by-step guide to using the scientific method to solve scientific problems or answer questions. This method ensures reliability and validity of results.

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Scientific Method Recipe for great results

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  1. Scientific MethodRecipe for great results 8th Grade Villago Middle School J. Andree

  2. Scientific Method • A method to solving scientific problems/questions • Follows a specific format and steps to ensure reliability and validity.

  3. Question/Problem Step 1- ? Or Problem • Answer a Question or address a scientific problem. • What if…… • Maybe if we… • Can we…. • Must be TESTABLE and MEASUREABLE

  4. Question/Problem Research Step 2- Research • Gather information that educates you on the question or problem posed. • Review any prior knowledge of the question or problem • Take notes so that it will help you form a better hypothesis.

  5. Question/Problem Research Form a Hypothesis Step 3- Hypothesis • An educated guess with an explanation • A prediction based on prior knowledge or information gathered. • Based on research.

  6. Question/Problem Research Form a Hypothesis Experiment Step 4 - Experiment • Designing an experiment requires specific steps. 1. Define Variables 2. Create Materials list 3. Write a specific procedure 4. Collect data/observations

  7. Question/Problem Research Form a Hypothesis Experiment Variables Independent Variable (IV) • The thing you are testing. • The only thing in the experiment that you are changing. • There is ONLY ONE IV in any valid and reliable experiment.

  8. Question/Problem Research Form a Hypothesis Experiment Variables Dependent Variable (DV) • The thing you are measuring. • Should be able to graph it. • Considered quantitative data (root word is “quantity”)

  9. Question/Problem Research Form a Hypothesis Experiment Variables Constant Variable (CV) • All of the things in the experiment that are kept constant. • These are the things that could make your experiment invalid and your data unusable • Usually many of these for ANY one experiment

  10. Question/Problem Research Form a Hypothesis Experiment Variables Control Group • What you will compare your results to. • Usually just the absence of the independent variable (IV)

  11. Question/Problem Research Form a Hypothesis Experiment Materials List • Needs to be a complete list • Easily reproducible Procedure • Must be specific in directions • Must be step by step • Will evaluate the reliability by the ability to re-do experiment exactly.

  12. Question/Problem Research Form a Hypothesis Experiment Collect data/ observations • Create a uniform way to collect ALL data • Record data as directed by procedure • Collect qualitative observations (root word- “quality”) • Collect quantitative data and chart it. • Gather data from at least 3 trials. The more trials, the more valid your results will be.

  13. Question/Problem Research Form a Hypothesis Experiment Analyze Data Step 5 - Analyze Data • Create charts, graphs and/or tables to represent your data • Interpret ideas or inferences learned from data • Make all calculations, double check for reliability. • Are there any sources of error in your data or collection of data procedures?

  14. Question/Problem Research Form a Hypothesis Experiment Analyze Data Graphs T- Title A- Axis I- Intervals L- Labels S- Scale • Using the above format, create a valid graph representing your data • IV- goes on the X Axis • DV- goes on the Y Axis

  15. Step 6 - Conclusions Question/Problem Research • A complete summary of the entire experimental process and results • Needs to be written so as to publish the results of the experiment in a reliable way • Use Conclusion Outline Format… Form a Hypothesis Experiment Analyze Data Conclusion

  16. Step 6 - Conclusions Question/Problem Research T= Restate Problem Restate your hypothesis (It was predicted that…) • Accept or reject your hypothesis • Provide evidence • Actual data from the experiment What did the data say? • Relationships or trends in the data • Provide evidence Issues or problems with the investigation –Provide evidence W=Wrap it up! Concluding sentence with transition word, rephrased problem, and explain why the experiment was important. Form a Hypothesis Experiment Analyze Data Conclusion

  17. Social Experiment? • Since you just reviewed the scientific method, I would like you to apply the six steps into a “possible” experiment. • Design a possible experiment that could help me answer the following question/problem?

  18. Social Experiment • The problem is…. I just don’t know if I should make a seating chart or let you choose your own seats. • The question is… Is sitting in seats of your choice more helpful to you as a student?

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