Trying Out The Scientific MethodSNC2D

Trying out the Scientific Method● Some of you will be studying paper airplanes.

● What question do we want to answer about paper airplanes?● How does the weight of paper affect how far a paper airplane will fly?

○ Make a hypothesis for this question – make sure it is testable.○ Write it as an "if...then" statement.○ State your variables – independent variable, dependent variable and 3+ control

variables

● Now, design a controlled experiment to test the hypothesis. This will be your procedure.○ Materials needed○ Numbered steps to test your airplane hypothesis

● Create a data table to record your results.○ Remember your rules for making a good data table.

● Run your experiment ○ Make detailed observations. Both qualitative and quantitative.

● Analysiso Graph your data using a type of graph you feel best represents your datao Explain your results and how they relate to your question. Be detailed.o State two errors (a factor that would have affected your dependent variable and

therefore effected your analysis) and one improvement.

Blast Off!● Some of you will be studying rockets….

● What question do we want to answer about the lab?● How much Alka-Seltzer is needed to blast off the lid of a canister in 8 seconds?

○ Make a hypothesis for this question – make sure it is testable.○ Write it as an "if...then" statement.○ State your variables – independent variable, dependent variable and 3+ control

variables

● Now, design a controlled experiment to test the hypothesis. This will be your procedure.○ Materials needed○ Numbered steps to test your hypothesis

● Create a data table to record your results.○ Remember your rules for making a good data table.

● Run your experiment ○ Make detailed observations. Both qualitative and quantitative.

● Analysiso Graph your data using a type of graph you feel best represents your datao Explain your results and how they relate to your question. Be detailed.o State two errors (a factor that would have affected your dependent variable and

therefore effected your analysis) and one improvement.

What to Submit – The Lab Report●Meaningful Title with date, name & lab partner●Question, Hypothesis (with reasoning!)●Variables (IV, DV, CV(3))●Safety – 2 precautions with explanations for what to

do if it does happen.● Materials and Methods (in past tense since it is what

you have done)●Observations Table (quantitative & qualitative)●Analysis (graph, explanation of results, errors (2) and

improvements(1)

Peer & Self Assessment

Credits

● http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Paperairplane.png