Unit 1THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD & VARIABLES

I. The goal of science To INVESTIGATE! And UNDERSTAND! The

natural world... To explain events in the natural world To use those explanations to make

useful predictions

What does science study? The NATURAL WORLD, the search for

patterns and connections between events

II. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD There is no one SCIENTIFIC METHOD.

THERE ARE COMMON FEATURES IN HOW SCIENTISTS DO THEIR WORK.

Scientific Method1. Question/problem2. Background Research3. Hypothesis4. Experiment5. Data and Analysis6. Conclusion7. Report

1. Formulate a Question or Problem

A realistic questionNeeds to be measurable

2. Background Research

Inform yourself about the experiment

Inform the scientists of existing methods and materials.

Creates accountability and relevance.

3. Hypothesis It is an educated guess as to how

things workSometimes in an “if ____ then _____”

format. It explains the relationship of the

independent variable on the dependent variable.

Must be testable by performing controlled experiment or by gathering more data!

Variables• Independent (Manipulated)

variable: the thing that we personally alter.

• Dependent (Responding) variable: the thing that we record/measure.

• Constant variable: anything that is not altered during the course of the experiment.

4. ExperimentDevelop a detailed list of materials

and procedures. Define the independent and

dependent variable and constants, along with Control group and Experimental Group

Multiple trials are important. Why? Test experiment using proper safety

materials. Document all observations carefully.

ObservationsQUALITATIVE vs. QUANTITATIVE

QUALITATIVE: Characteristics

that cannot be measured or counted.

Color, shape, feel, taste, sound

QUANTITATIVE Based on exact

measurements The room is 8

meters across.

5. Record and Analyze Data Organize

quantifiable data. Put in chart or graph.

Make it easy for people to see differences/similarities

State trends. No conclusions

should be drawn. Graphs should be easy to see.

6. Conclusion Is the hypothesis

accepted or rejected?

Can we answer the overall question?

Implications for future study.

Sources of error. What did you learn

overall? Was it fun?

7. Report and Repeat Experiment

Compile all work into a presentable form.

Have other people repeat and verify the experiment.

Hypothesis - GOOD OR BAD?

WHY?

Everyone that wears green is cool.