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The Scientific Method

Used by scientists to gain knowledge…

It typically has 5-7 steps

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Make an Observation – STEP 1

Use your five senses to gather information about objects or events

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Form a Question

• Based on observations; one or more questions are generated

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Forming a Hypothesis – STEP 2

• A hypothesis is an educated guess and must be testable (evidence can be collected that either does or doesn‘t support it)

• It is often written in the form of an “if-then” statement

However, it can never be proven beyond doubt.

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Design an Experiment – STEP 3

• Testing a hypothesis or prediction by conducting a controlled experiment– Based on a comparison of a control

group with an experimental group

Constants are all of the variables in the experiment that are kept the same in both the experimental and control groups. Both groups are identical except for one factor

(independent variable)Experimental group is the group in which one

variable (independent ) is being changed. This group is not considered to be under normal conditions

Control group is considered to be under normal conditions.

Independent variable is the variable that scientists change deliberatelyThe variable “I”, the scientist, changes

Dependent variable si the variable that changes in response to the changed variable. Also known as the responding variable 6

Observations and measurements are taken for the dependent variable in both groups

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Record and Analyze Data – STEP 4

• Involves gathering information from your experiment – This yields two kinds of data:

• Quantitative – which results in numbers (#s)• Qualitative – which results in descriptions

(color, smell)

–Data is recorded in graphs, charts, tables, or maps

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Conclusion – STEP 5

• Conclusions – ACCEPT or REJECT your hypothesis–Often are made on the basis of

facts, not observations and drawn from data gathered from a study or experiment

The experiment should be repeatable so that one can confirm the data

Repeat the Experiment – Step 6

Communication – STEP 6 Scientists must share the results of their studies with

other scientists (peers) Publish findings in journals Scientists must be unbiased

Should not tamper with their dataOnly publish & report tested & proven ideas

Sharing of information is essential to scientific process

Subject to examination and verification by other scientists

Allows scientists to build on the work of others

Your Turn1. Get groups of 2 or 3 2. Each person in the group will be used as a test

subject and should have their own data table. 3. Perform experiment: Test the effects of physical

activity on heart rate. 4. Draw graphs and come up with the conclusion5. One lab report per person will be submitted.

Lab Report is due on Monday, August 31st by 10 am into the haiku dropbox.

Homework due before class on Monday, August 31st, 2015

• Share syllabus with a parent and have them sign it and bring to class with you.

• Heart Rate Lab Report