Scientific Method Notes

1. Scientific Method Notes 8th Science 2012

2. Scientific Method Steps • PROBLEM – Puts focus on the purpose of the experiment • RESEARCH – Can use formal research methods (book, internet, research or observational study, etc.) or sometimes, only prior knowledge.

3. 3. HYPOTHESIS – Can be in statement form or placed in “IF – THEN” format to accentuate the independent and dependent variables. It is a statement that you THINK is the answer to the problem. This statement MUST be testable.

4. 4. EXPERIMENT – Process of data collection; collected data is put into tables or charts. Should be a controlled experiment when possible. • Control – The part of the experiment that does NOT change… NOT being tested. • Variable – the part of the experiment that changes.

5. Experiment continued… • Independent Variable – The variable the scientist controls…time intervals, when data is collected, scientists’ actions, etc. • Dependent Variable – The TESTED variable that responds to the scientist’s manipulation…what is being measured.

6. 5. ANALYSIS – Scientist discovers whether or not the data supports the hypothesis. Graphs are used to make calculating and observing data easier to see (Bar, Line, and Pie)

7. Dry Mix Graphing Method • X Axis – Independent Variable (one scientist controls) • Y Axis – Dependent Variable (one we measured)

8. 6. CONCLUSION – A final decision made about whether or not your hypothesis is supported by data. Options: Test again; not enough information to decide; need more research; hypothesis was correct; or hypothesis incorrect. In all circumstances, the scientist has learned SOMETHING about the problem.

9. 7. COMMUNICATE – This allows the scientist to share information and duplicate results or find new information about the same problem.