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The Scientific Method

This article explains the steps of the scientific method, including problem identification, information collection, hypothesis formation, experiment design, data analysis, and drawing conclusions. It provides examples and guidelines for each step.

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The Scientific Method

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  1. The Scientific Method

  2. Steps of the Scientific Method • The Scientific Method is used by all Scientists • The Scientific Method is made up of many parts called “steps” • The Scientific Method can be described as having anywhere from 5-8 steps which are sometimes given different names

  3. Steps of the Scientific Method • Remember these 6 steps: • Identify the Problem • Collect Information • Form a Hypothesis • Design and Carry Out an Experiment • Analyze Data • Draw Conclusions

  4. STEP 1: Identify the Problem • What problem needs to be solved? • What question needs to be answered? • The PROBLEM is always stated in the form of a question. • Example: Which type of soda will help radish seeds grow best?

  5. STEP 2: Collect Information • Your textbook or other resources can provide you with information before you make a hypothesis • Example: Look on the back of the radish seed packet to get information, look online to find what type of growing conditions radishes prefer, or buy a gardening book

  6. STEP 3: Form a Hypothesis • Use your prior knowledge and any new information you have collected • A HYPOTHESIS is a prediction or statement that can be tested • Example: IF radish seeds are grown in Hawaiian Punch, THEN they will grow tallest.

  7. STEP 4: Design and Carry Out Experiment • Variables are what are tested in an experiment (dependent & independent) • Only one variable is changed at a time. • Independent Variable: the variable that is changed. AKA-manipulated variable; X-axis • Example: The type of liquid (diet coke, sprite, etc.) • Dependent Variable: the factor being measured. AKA-responding variable; Y-axis • Example: The height of the radish plant.

  8. STEP 4: Design and Carry Out Experiment (continued) • Constants: the variables that stay the same • Example: same amount of liquid, same amount of light, same number of seeds, etc. • Control: a sample that is treated exactly like the other experimental groups except that the independent variable is not applied to it • It is under normal conditions • Example: The radish plant given water

  9. STEP 4: Design and Carry Out Experiment (continued) • Number of Trials: to make sure that you are getting valid results, you will need to repeat the experiment several times

  10. STEP 5: Analyze Data • Organizedata by putting it into graphs, tables, and charts

  11. STEP 6: Draw Conclusions • Does your data support your hypothesis? • If the data supports the hypothesis, repeat the experiment to verify. • If the data does not support the hypothesis, change your hypothesis and try again. • Why did you get these results? • What might have happened that could affect your results?

  12. STEP 6: Draw Conclusions • REMEMBER - There are no wrong hypothesis! • There are only results that don’t support your hypothesis • Sample Conclusion: Hawaiian Punch is the best liquid for radish growth

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