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The Scientific Method: DR HERC

The Scientific Method: DR HERC. The Scientific Method refers to the basic steps scientists use to solve problems…. Step 1: Determine the Problem. A good science problem is written as a question, and is one that you can test to find the answer *This is the purpose of your investigation.

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The Scientific Method: DR HERC

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  1. The Scientific Method: DR HERC The Scientific Method refers to the basic steps scientists use to solve problems…

  2. Step 1: Determine the Problem • A good science problem is written as a question, and is one that you can test to find the answer • *This is the purpose of your investigation What is the problem or question posed in the “Octopus Pregnancy?” Is it possible for an octopus egg to survive and grow in a human stomach

  3. Step 2: Gather Research • Gather data to help you form your hypothesis • Research what others have already discovered about your problem (books, magazines, reports, experts, etc.) • Observation – using one or more of your senses to collect data • Inference – an interpretation of an observation based on evidence or prior knowledge What information did Adam and Jamie gather before beginning their experiment?

  4. Step 3: Form a Hypothesis • A hypothesisis a possible explanation of, or answer to your scientific question • Worded as an “If…then…because…” statement • MUST be testable • MUST be based on research • Will be supported or disproved by experimentation What was Adam and Jamie’s hypothesis? What did you think would happen?

  5. Step 4: Carry Out Experiment • Materials List • Detailed list of all supplies needed to carry out your experiment • Include amounts needed of each supply • Procedures List • Step-by-step instructions for how to carry out experiment • Must be detailed enough so your experiment could be repeated by someone else

  6. They also include… a CONTROL • Controlsare things that do not change throughout the experiment • These are kept the same throughout each trial What things did Adam and Jamie keep constant throughout their experiment?

  7. As well as… VARIABLES • A variableis a factor that can change in an experiment • You may only change one at a time! • An independent variableis the one and only variable you’re allowed to change in your experiment this is the variable being tested (x-axis on a graph) • A dependent variableis the factor that changes because of your independent variable this is the observed variable(y-axis on a graph) What variables did Adam and Jamie include in their experiment?

  8. Step 4: Carry Out an Experiment ??? • Now you may design and carry outan experiment to test your hypothesis • Determine controls • Consider all possible variables • Must include at least two trials How did the Mythbusters team carry out their experiment?

  9. Step 5: Record your Data • Recording accurate observations and measurements are necessary to carrying out a valid experiment • Once recorded, you can organize your data • Perform any necessary calculations • Create charts/graphs/data tables to organize data • Consider sources of error How did Adam and Jamie check and interpret their results?

  10. Step 6: Draw a Conclusion • Interpret your charts, tables, or graphs to help you draw your conclusions • Answer your question using data as evidence No octopus here… • Based on the data you have gathered, were you able to find the answer to your question? • If so, was your hypothesis correct? • If no, what other experiment(s) could help you retest your theory? What conclusion can be drawn as a result of this experiment?

  11. Scientific Theory • Scientific Theory is an explanation of howor why something happens based on scientific knowledge resulting from repeated observations and experiments • A theory is based on thousands of experiments carried out by many different scientists • It can be proven to be incorrect as new knowledge is gained from further experiments

  12. Scientific Law • A Scientific Law is a statement about how something works that seems to be true all of the time • Tells what will happen, but does not necessarily explain why • Is less likely to change than a Scientific Theory

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