4 Steps in the Scientific Method ObservationHypothesisExperimentData CollectionConclusionRetest
5 Observations Gathered through your senses A scientist notices something in their natural world
6 ObservationsAn example of an observation might be noticing that many salamanders near a pond have curved, not straight, tails
7 Hypothesis A suggested solution to the problem. Must be testable Predicts an outcome
8 Prediction a form of hypothesis Sometimes written as If…Then… statementsEx.: If the dog is panting, then it must be hot outside.
9 HypothesisAn example of a hypothesis might be that the salamanders have curved tails due to a pollutant in the moist soil where they live.
10 A procedure to test the hypothesis. ExperimentA procedure to test the hypothesis.
11 Variable – factor in the experiment that is being tested
12 A good or “valid” experiment will only have ONE variable!
13 Scientific Experiments Follow Rules An experimenter changes one factor and observes or measures what happens.
14 The Control VariableThe experimenter makes a special effort to keep other factors constant so that they will not affect the outcome.Those factors are called control variables.
15 What is the Purpose of a Control? Controls are NOT being testedControls are used for COMPARISON
16 Other VariablesThe factor that is changed is known as the independent variable or manipulated variable.The factor that is measured or observed is called the dependent variable or responding variable.
17 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.
18 What are the Variables in Your Experiment? Varying the route is the independent variableThe time it takes is the dependent variableKeeping the same walker throughout makes the walker a control variable.
19 One more thing… it is best to make several trials with each independent variable.
20 Remember: To be a Valid Experiment: Two groups are required --- the control & experimental groupsThere should be only one variable
21 Data Results of the experiment May be quantitative (numbers) or qualitative
22 DataMust be organizedCan be organized into charts, tables, or graphs
23 ConclusionThe answer to the hypothesis based on the data obtained from the experiment
24 In order to verify the results, experiments must be retested.
25 Review:Solving a Problem 1)Identify a Problem2) State Observations about the problem3) Form a Hypothesis about the problem (if…then…)4) Design an Experiment to test the hypothesis5) Collect Data6) Form a Conclusion7) Retest
26 The EndWrite a 2-paragraph (10 sentences) YES!!! 10 sentences of your understanding of the topic.