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Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method
September 9, 2014September 9, 2014
ObjectivesObjectives
1.1. Recognize the Steps of the Scientific Recognize the Steps of the Scientific MethodMethod
2.2. Understand the terminology that is Understand the terminology that is involvedinvolved
3.3. Use an example problem to work through Use an example problem to work through each of the Stepseach of the Steps
The The Scientific Scientific MethodMethod involves a involves a series of steps that series of steps that
are used to are used to investigate a investigate a
natural natural occurrence. occurrence.
Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method
1. 1. Problem/QuestionProblem/Question: : Develop a Develop a question or problem that can question or problem that can
be solved through be solved through experimentation.experimentation.
Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method
2. 2. Observation/ResearchObservation/Research: : Make Make observations and research observations and research
your topic of interest.your topic of interest.
Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method
3. 3. Formulate a HypothesisFormulate a Hypothesis: : Predict a possible answer to Predict a possible answer to
the problem or question.the problem or question.
Example:Example: If If soil temperaturessoil temperatures rise, then rise, then plant growthplant growth will will
increase.increase.
Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method
4. 4. ExperimentExperiment: : Develop and Develop and follow a follow a procedureprocedure..
Include a detailed Include a detailed materialsmaterials list. list.The outcome must be The outcome must be
measurable (quantifiable).measurable (quantifiable).Include tables, graphs, and Include tables, graphs, and
photographs.photographs.
Independent VariableIndependent Variable
a factor that’s varied by the a factor that’s varied by the experimenter.experimenter.
Experimental factorExperimental factor
Dependent VariableDependent Variable
the factor that may change as a the factor that may change as a result of changes made in the result of changes made in the
independent variable.independent variable.Being measuredBeing measured
Control GroupControl Group
standard of comparison.standard of comparison.
The control group may be a “no The control group may be a “no treatment" or an “experimenter treatment" or an “experimenter
selected” group.selected” group.
Control GroupControl Group
The control group is exposed to The control group is exposed to the same conditions as the the same conditions as the
experimental group, except for experimental group, except for the variable being tested.the variable being tested.
AllAll experiments should have a experiments should have a control group.control group.
ConstantsConstants
The constants in an The constants in an experiment are all the experiment are all the
factors that the factors that the experimenter attempts experimenter attempts
to keep the same. to keep the same.
Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method
5. 5. Collect and Analyze ResultsCollect and Analyze Results: : Modify the procedure if needed.Modify the procedure if needed.
Confirm the results by retesting.Confirm the results by retesting.
Make recommendations for further Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements study and possible improvements
to the procedure.to the procedure.
Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method
6. 6. ConclusionConclusion: : Include a Include a statement that accepts or statement that accepts or
rejects the hypothesis.rejects the hypothesis.
Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method
7. 7. Communicate the ResultsCommunicate the Results: : Be Be prepared to present the project prepared to present the project
to an audience.to an audience.
Expect questions from the Expect questions from the audience. audience.