Scientific Method

You are not expected to copy everything from this

powerpoint. You should record notes in Engage Packet
page 5 to ensure you have the basics. We will discuss
these notes in class, so be sure to write down any
questions.

You dont need to copy this down:

What is science?
Making observations and carrying
out experiments to learn how
things happen
Science is a process we use to
gain knowledge and make
discoveries

You dont need to copy this down:

Why do we do it?
To satisfy our curiosity and
understand the world around us
To solve problems

You dont need to copy this down:

Scientific Method
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Observe and State a Problem

Form a Hypothesis
Test the Hypothesis
Record and Analyze Data
Form a Conclusion
Repeat the Experiment

Observe a Problem
Curiosity and Interest

State a Problem
Must be answerable by science
Word your question appropriately

Observe and State a

Problem
We all see leaves change color in
autumn. Where do all those beautiful
reds and yellows come from?
Problem: How do leaves change
color in autumn?
Be more specific!
Better Worded Problem: How do
Maple leaves change color in
autumn?

What is a hypothesis
An educated guess!
Think of some possible explanation
for the stated problem
Can be wrong or right
Must be testable

Maple Tree Leaves

Possible explanation?
Change color in fallwhat happens
in fall?
Temperature changes!
Hypothesis: A change
decrease
in in
temperature is related to Maple
leaves changing color.

Test your Hypothesis

Test through observation (evolution)
Test through experimentation
Provide evidence for or against
hypothesis

Test your Hypothesis

Controlled experiment
Isolate/test a single variable
Control variables constant aspects of an experiment.
Manipulated (Independent) variable
The aspect of the experiment you adjust
Experimental Groups
Responding (Dependent) variable
The aspect of the experiment that changes as a result of
the adjustment
Generates Data
Set up a control group
Needed to compare to the experiment; norm/ reference
point

More on a hypothesis
If, then format
If (manipulated variable) affects the
(responding variable), then (this is my
specific prediction).

Example.
If decreasing temperature affects leaf
color then tree leaves will change color
when the season changes to Fall.

 Describe the
control setup.
Describe the
experimental
setup.

A decrease in temp is related to Maple

leaves changing color.

 What stays the

same in both
setups? These are
controlled
variables, or
constants. Give 3
examples.
What is the
manipulated
variable?
What is the
responding
variable?

Record observations
What quantitative data (numbers/
measurements) will you record in your
experiment? Give an example.
What qualitative data (words to describe)
will you record? Give an example.
Keep careful and frequent notes of
observations (your data).

Analyze Data
Visual aids (graphs and tables)
Graphs often have the manipulated
variable on the horizontal axis (X) and
the responding variable on the vertical
axis (Y).
What pattern(s) would you expect if your
hypothesis was right? If it was wrong?
What patterns emerge? Or is there a lack
of a pattern?

Maple Tree Leaves

Measurements
Number of leaves that changed color
Time the leaves take to change colors

Form a Conclusion
From your analysis, answer the
question:
DOES THE DATA SUPPORT
THE HYPOTHESIS OR
FAIL TO SUPPORT (refute)
IT?

Decrease temperature
color changes
Think about it: what data would
confirm our hypothesis? What
would you expect?

Decrease temperature
color changes
Based on this data, what is your
conclusion? Is your hypothesis
supported or refuted?

Repeat the Experiment

Does confirmation of the hypothesis
prove it to be true?
NO!
Need to repeat the experiment many
times show it did not happen by
chance
Publish in journals for others to try
Consistency of results add to the body
of evidence for a hypothesis
Scientific Theory!!!!

Sample Size
The number of times an
experimental group is carried out in
an individual experiment.
Example: Observe many trees change
color

Be prepared to discuss
experimental design with a
partner:
Do fingers wrinkle faster in hot or cold
water?
Manipulated variable
Responding variable
If, then hypothesis
Controlled variables (constants)
Experimental group(s)
Possible control group(s)
Hypothetical data (support and refute)