Scientific Method

Chapter 1, pgs 12-18

1. Scientific Method- a series of steps used to solve problems

2. Observation- information gathered with your senses

Sight, sound, touch, taste, & smell

3. Inference- a conclusion based on an observation

Remember the “shoebox activity”

Notes

Observation & Inference

OBSERVATION INFERENCE

The temperature of the glass of water near the window is warmer than the one on the shelf

The sun must have been shining on the water

Observation & Inference

Observation Inference

The bell rang It is dismissal time

Observation & Inference

Observation Inferernce

The clouds are very dark

It is going to rain

4. Hypothesis- a prediction or statement that can be tested

5. Independent Variable- the experimental treatment

This is the factor that is different from the other group

6. Dependent Variable- what is being measured or observed.

7. Constants- factors that STAY THE SAME in both parts of an experiment

8. Control- part of the experiment that does NOT receive the experimental treatment◦ It is the group to which the experimental group is

compared!

Steps of the Scientific Method1. Ask a Question or

State a Problem

2. Observe & Infer

3. Hypothesis

4. Experiment

5. Analyze Data (Results)

6. Conclusion

7. Share Results

Scientific Method- a series of steps used to solve problems

 

Ask a Question or Recognize the Problem- decide what you want to understand by performing an experiment

Observe & Infer- gather information using your senses and make conclusions bases on what you observed.

Hypothesis- a prediction or statement that can be tested◦ It is based on observations, research and prior

knowledge.◦ Often written as a “If …, then…” statement.

Dependent Variable- the factor or part that is being measured or observed

Independent Variable- the experimental treatment

What is being changed during the experiment

The factor that is different from the control group.

Constants- factors or parts of the experiment that stay the same in all parts of the experiment.

Control- part of the experiment that does NOT receive the experimental treatment (independent variable)

This is used to make comparisons and to see how the experimental treatment works.

Analyze the Data- data can be numeric, such as measurements, or observations and descriptions.

Draw Conclusions- make a statement based on the data collected and state whether or not the data supports or rejects the hypothesis.