The Scientific Method

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The Scientific Method
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What it is

• Techniques for
• Investigating phenomena
• Acquiring new knowledge
• Correcting and integrating old knowledge

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What makes it scientific

• In order for conclusions reached by using the
  Scientific Method to be valid the following must
  be true
• Data has been gathered that is observable,
  measurable and fair (empirical)
• Data comes from observation and/or
  experimentation

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• A hypothesis has been formed
• A hypothesis has been tested

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How to use the Scientific Method

• Procedures vary from one field of science to
  another but all follow a basic pattern
• First the scientific researcher will propose a
  hypothesis
• Then an experiment must be designed to test the
  hypothesis

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• When an experiment is created it must have steps
  that can be repeated so that when it is done
  again by somebody else the results can be
  predicted

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Hypothesis vs Theory

• Hypothesis A suggested explanation for something
  that has been observed
• Ex
• Observation My car seat is wet and my window
  was left down
• Hypothesis

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• Theory An explanation that has been well tested
  and confirmed as a general principle helping to
  explain and predict a wide range of similar
  future events. A theory can still be proven wrong
  with enough data
• Ex The Expanding Earth Theory

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The Expanding Earth Theory

• The Theory The Earth is continually getting
  larger, which is why the continents are moving,
  new mountains are formed and why sometimes it
  feels like the earth is moving (up to the early
  1900s)
• Disproven By Discovery of plate tectonics,
  pictures from space, continental drift theory etc.

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The Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Define the question
2. Gather information and resources (observe)
3. Form an hypothesis
4. Perform experiments collect data
5. Analyze data
6. Interpret data
7. Draw conclusions
8. Publish results

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The Experimental Method

• Five steps that must be done when doing an
  experiment
• Sometimes the order of the steps changes
• Sometimes a step may be left out
• It is always possible to go back and do a step
  again

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Step 1 Observe

• An interesting natural phenomenon or a problem
  that needs a solution
• These observations are made using your five
  senses and instruments to extend your senses,
  like a microscope
• There are two kinds of observations quantitative
  and qualitative

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Quantitative vs Qualitative

• Quantitative an observation involving quantities
  that can be expressed in numbers
• Qualitative an observation that involves
  quality, shape or properties that cannot be
  expressed in numbers

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Step 2 Develop a Research Question

• Observations can raise questions
• When a prediction is made about the answers to
  these questions this becomes the hypothesis
• A hypothesis can be proven or disproven
• Ex Question Does dark clothing or light
  clothing get hotter in the sun?
• Hypothesis Clothing that is dark will get
  hotter than light clothing.

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Rules for a hypothesis

• NO PERSONAL PRONOUNS!!!
• Full sentence(s)
• Must have a definite, specific prediction
• Ex The temperature will increase
• NOT The temperature will change

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Step 3 Define the Variables

• Variable Something that can vary or change
• What will be controlled or monitored during the
  experiment

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Step 4 Experiment

• List the steps of the experiment as a procedure
  that is clear enough for someone else to do the
  experiment exactly the same

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Requirements for a Procedure

• To write an experimental procedure properly you
  must
• Choose the equipment and material you need
• b) Prepare step-by-step instructions that are
  clearly numbered at each step (remember lab
  safety)

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• c) Use all the equipment on the list
• d) Monitor the variables you have selected
• e) Conduct the experiment following the safety
  rules
• f) Record all the information you collect

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Step 5 Analyze and Present the Results

• Results must be organized and presented
  appropriately
• Results must include all observations and
  calculated values
• When analyzing your results you must remember to
  answer the initial question

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• If the experiment was appropriate for the
  question(s) your were trying to answer you should
  be able to draw conclusions (answers)
• This is also where you state any possible errors
  that occurred or what you would do differently
  the next time
• In the conclusion there are again NO PERSONAL
  PRONOUNS