The Scientific Process

1
The Scientific Process

• A Logical, Step-by-Step Process to Solving
  Problems

2
Choosing a Problem

• Find something that interests you (may be given)
• Limit the topic (not too broad or narrow)
• Write a question you want answered that can be
  tested with your available resources

3
Write the Problem

• A minimum of 3 sentences must be written
  (paragraph format)
• IN THIS ORDER
• State the problem or purpose of your experiment
• Explain your interests in this problem
• End with a testable question for which you want
  to find a solution (and a ?)
• Should be written in 3rd person

4
Research the Problem (Literature Review)

• Learn all you can about your topic
• Keep research limited to those things that help
  you understand the question
• Use multiple credible sources, not including
  encyclopedias (Wiki)
• Take notes summarize what you have learned in
  paragraph form and include a work
  cited/bibliography

5
Write your HYPOTHESIS

• A testable statement that answers the problem
• Must include an explanation/reasoning for your
  prediction and must use data from your research
  to support the explanation

6
Write your EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

• This Includes MATERIALS
• List of all items to use for experiment
• Bullet items on list, DO NOT number
• No CAPITAL letters unless its a name brand
• This includes PROCEDURES
• Numbered statements that are complete sentences
  telling how to do the experiment
• No how-to words
• Very detailed and specific

7
Data Collection

• Follow your procedures to conduct your experiment
• Date all recorded observations, both qualitative
  and quantitative, in a data log (bookbound item
  so paper is not lost)
• Use sketches/diagrams of observations

8
Graphs

• Use your collected data to create 1 or more
  graphs
• Line graphs for changes over time
• Bar graphs for comparing
• Circle graphs for part of a whole
• Be sure to include explanatory title, axis
  scales, axis labels w/ appropriate units in
  parentheses, and key

9
Data Analysis (Results)

• Summarize the data collected and interpret the
  data
• Minimum of 3 paragraphs
• 1gt Summarized qualitative data
• 2gt Summarized quantitative data and averages
• 3gt Comparisons made between variables tested
  differences and percent changes
• Facts only
• Include references to charts, tables, and graphs

10
Conclusions

• The So What
• Has 3 parts
• Claim
• Evidence
• Reasoning

11
Conclusions The Claim

• A statement about the solution to your question
  and hypothesis
• Must be accurate and complete
• Should be based on collected data, but the data
  should NOT be mentioned in the statement.

12
Conclusions The Evidence

• Identify the specific scientific evidence that
  supports the claim.
• Must be sufficient (lots of supporting data)
• Includes numerical data.
• All data has appropriate labels/units.

13
Conclusions Reasoning

• Justifies claim and evidenceshowing why data
  counts as evidence through the use of appropriate
  and sufficient scientific principles.
• Provides scientific link between evidence and
  claim.
• Includes appropriate scientific concepts.
• Does not repeat data from evidence.

14
Works Cited/Bibliography(Only when research is
used)

• Quality sources of information used during
  research
• Special format used called APA all entries are
  alphabetized
• Place on a separate page, by itself

http//citationmachine.net
Bibliography Blume, H (2000 July 13). Geek
Studies. Retrieved June 16, 2008, from Atlantic
Online Web site http//www.theatlantic.com/
unbound/crosscurrents/ cc2000-07-13.htm Cowley,
G. Id toddle a mile for a camel. Newsweek 23
Dec. 1991 70-71. Nielson, J (1993). Hypertext
Hypermedia. Boston Academic Press Professional.