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Scientific Method

Scientific Method. Steps in the Scientific Method. Observation Hypothesis Experiment Data Collection Conclusion Retest. Observations. Gathered through your senses A scientist notices something in their natural world. Observations.

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Scientific Method

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  1. Scientific Method

  2. Steps in the Scientific Method • Observation • Hypothesis • Experiment • Data Collection • Conclusion • Retest

  3. Observations • Gathered through your senses • A scientist notices something in their natural world

  4. Observations • An exampleof an observation might be noticing that many salamanders near a pond have curved, not straight, tails

  5. Hypothesis • A suggested solution to the problem. • Must be testable • Sometimes written as If…Then… statements • Predicts an outcome

  6. Hypothesis • An example of a hypothesis might be that the salamanders have curved tails due to a pollutant in the moist soil where they live.

  7. Experiment • A procedure to test the hypothesis.

  8. Experiment Variable – factor in the experiment that is being tested

  9. Experiment A good or “valid” experiment will only have ONE variable!

  10. Controls and Variables When designing an experiment, make sure to include the following Information: *independent variable *dependent variable *control *constants

  11. Scientific Experiments Follow Rules • An experimenter changes one factor andobserves or measureswhat happens.

  12. The Control Variable • The experimenter makes a special effort to keep other factors constant so that they will not effect the outcome. • Those factors are called control variables.

  13. What is the Purpose of a Control? • Controls are NOT being tested • Controls are used for COMPARISON

  14. Other Variables • The factor that is changed is known as the independent variable. • The factor that is measured or observed is called the dependent variable.

  15. Example of Controls & Variables • For example, suppose you want to figure out the fastest route to walk home from school. • You will try several different routes and time how long it takes you to get home by each one. • Since you are only interested in finding a route that is fastest for you, you will do the walking yourself.

  16. What are the Variables in Your Experiment? • Varying the route is the independent variable • The time it takes is the dependent variable • Keeping the same walker throughout makes the walker a control variable.

  17. One more thing… it is best to make several trials with each independent variable.

  18. Remember: To be a Valid Experiment: • Two groups are required --- the control & experimental groups • There should be only onevariable

  19. Data • Results of the experiment • May be quantitative (numbers) or qualitative

  20. Data • Must be organized • Can be organized into charts, tables, or graphs

  21. Conclusion • The answer to the hypothesis based on the data obtained from the experiment

  22. Retest In order to verify the results, experiments must be retested.

  23. Review • For any FRQ dealing with the scientific method, always1. State the problem in the form of a question. • Write a hypothesis. (make a prediction) • Design and experiment (include the independent variable, dependent variable, control, and constants) • Discuss and describe possible data. • 5. State a conclusion.

  24. Solving a Problem 1)Identify a Problem 2) State Observations about the problem 3) Form a Hypothesis about the problem (if…then…) 4) Design an Experiment to test the hypothesis 5) Collect Data 6) Form a Conclusion 7) Retest

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