Steps of the Scientific Method

Steps of the Scientific Method

The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence.

We shall take a closer look at these steps and the terminology you will need to understand before you start a science project.

Scientific Method Problem/Question Observation/Research Formulate a Hypothesis Experiment Collect and Analyze Results Conclusion Communicate the Results

Steps of the Scientific Method 1. Problem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation.

Steps of the Scientific Method 2. Observation/Research: Make observations and research your topic of interest.

Do you remember the next step?

Steps of the Scientific Method 3. Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to the problem or question. Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.

Steps of the Scientific Method 4. Experiment: Develop and follow a procedure. Include a detailed materials list. The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).

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.

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.

Steps of the Scientific Method 6b - If your Hypothesis is wrong…..go back Think Again!

Steps of the Scientific Method 7. Communicate the Results: Be prepared to present the project to an audience. Expect questions from the audience.

Think you can memorize all seven steps? In your group I want you to create a RAP or POEM to help us remember the steps. Collect and Analyze Results Formulate a Hypothesis Communicate the Results Observation/Research Problem/Question Experiment Conclusion

Rap/Poem Rules • Must include all 7 steps (including 6b) • Must inform us of what we do in each step • Must sound cool!

Let’s put our knowledge of the Scientific Method to a realistic example that includes some of the terms you’ll be needing to use and understand.

Resources Resources / Materials: -student journals -pens/pencils -paper -classroom board -copies of Oh, To Be Discovered by the Folks at QVC"

Respond to the Following • What recently invented device or product do you use on a daily basis that has made your life easier? • Was there a product you used before this one for the same tasks? • What improvements were made? • Share Out • Can anyone think of other devices that they use everyday that make their lives markedly easier? • What makes a device useful? • What makes a device marketable?

Idol Retailing Surveyed Entrepreneurs Lugging Hordes Descended Progressive Hassock Prototype Conceptual Tethering Prescribed Bulged Fledgling Moldable Innovative Equipped Hydraulic Slivers Debriefing Candidates Vendor Ultrasonic Confided “Oh to Be Discovered by the Folks at QVC”

“Oh to Be Discovered by the Folks at QVC” • Why does Corey Kilgannon, the author of the article, compare the national product search for QVC to ´American Idol?´ • What do the QVC buyers look for when they inspect products? • Why does QVC hold product searches like this most recent one in New York City? • What does Renee Ward mean when she says “the human element is a huge factor in selection?” • What is the demographic composition of QVC shoppers? • Why was Margaret Roew´s ´Noemadic Chair´ not chosen by the QVC buyers? • What is the difference between the “prototype stage” and the “manufactured stage?” • Why does QVC choose not to deal with products in the prototype stage? • What does Ms. Ward mean when she says that “it’s better to be conservative?” • Which of the inventions discussed in the article would you be most and least likely to buy? Why?

Your Task • You will be working in groups to design your own inventions to make daily life easier for students at DaVinci using THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD. • You will also create business plans for marketing your inventions. • Conduct brainstorm sessions in which each group will create a list of inventions that would make your everyday lives easier. • Thought Starters • Which tasks have you recently performed that could have been aided by some product or device? • Think about daily activities, such as, sitting, sleeping, washing, and cleaning. • Consider products used daily, like footwear, clothing, or toiletries, and processes that typically take several steps that an invention could cut down to one (like bending, then scooping dog waste). • Considerations • The products selected should be easy to manufacture and sell locally. • You must be able to make their products using readily available materials. • REMEMBER that in a brainstorm session every idea is valuable.

Steps • Question - What’s an invention that would make life easier and people would want to buy? • Research - Brainstorm possible ideas. Each group should assign one member to be the scribe, the person who will write down every idea mentioned in the group discussion. • Hypothesis - Once brainstorming is completed, select the one product your group members believe would likely be the easiest to make, market, and sell to students at school. Your business plans must be feasible. • Test - After a product is selected, each group must create and agree upon a preliminary design. • Analyze - Once your product is sketched, you will create business plans for the manufacturing and marketing of your products. Each business plan must include the following components: • Cost of all materials and supplies needed (use materials that can easily be found in your hometowns. If they need to check pricing of certain materials, use the web) • Start-up cost (such as, space for manufacturing, the manufacturing process, labor, etc.) • A detailed sketch of the finished product • Retail price of product • The number of products that will have to be sold before making a profit • Projected profits • A description of how the product is used, who would use it, and why. • Conclusion - Are you going to make a profit? • If not - THINK AGAIN! • Report - If yes, prepare a 5 minute presentation to the class

Presentation • You will have 5 minutes to present your product sketch and business plan to the class. • While you listen write questions and offer opinions as you watch each presentation. • Are there any products that students in the class would buy? • Which ones? • What makes a product successful in the market? • Which groups would be most likely to make a profit? • Why? • Homework/Wrap-Up: For homework, each student will pick one of the products presented in class (it does not need to be their own) and make a prototype of this product using readily available materials

Steps of the Scientific Method