Scientific Method

1
Scientific Method

• Who uses it?
• What is it?
• Why should I care?

2
Everyone uses it everyday.

• Yes Even You!!!!!!!!!!

3
It is a way to solve problems. Do you have any
problems to solve?

• Any big or any small ones?

4
Any of these sound familiar?

• Where are My Shoes?
• What should I have for lunch?
• What class do I have next?
• Did I do my homework for that class?
• Which medicine works best for my cold symptoms?
• Which deodorant works the longest?

5
There are six steps to the Scientific Method.

• 1. Problem
• 2. Research
• 3. Hypothesis
• 4. Experiment
• 5. Conclusion
• 6. Share/Report the Results

6
By following these steps in order you will learn
about your question.

• Notice the IN ORDER part. It is very important.

7
Step 1 - Problem

• This is the question that you are trying to
  answer or problem that you are trying to solve.
• Try to narrow it down and be very specific.

8
Step 2 - Research

• gather data about your question. -
• books
• magazines
• reports
• experts
• your past experiences
• websites

9
Step 3 - Hypothesis

• -an educated guess
• -a prediction based on data
• -what you think the answer is based upon your
  gathered information

10
Step 4 - Experiment

• This is broken into 4 parts materials,
  procedure, data, and analysis.

11
Prior to Experimenting

• Establish variables. - Set up a control group and
  an experimental group to identify your VARIABLES.
  
• ? Independent variable what is changing
  between the control and experimental group?
• ? Dependent variable how are you measuring
  the change of the independent variable?
• ? Constants what things MUST stay the same
  between the control group and the
  experimental group?

12
Experiment (contd)

• Materials - a list of equipment that you will
  need for the experiment.
• Procedure - a list of instructions that you need
  to follow for the experiment.
• Data - a collection of information (qualitative
  and/or quantitative observations) from the
  experiment that tells what happened in the form
  of charts and graphs.
• Analysis Reviewing the data for trends or
  patterns.

13
Step 5 - Conclusion

• What did you find the answer to the question was?
• It is OK if it turns out that your hypothesis was
  not correct. You learned!!!!!!!!!

14
Step 6 - Report Your Findings/Share Your Results

• One of the most important parts of the scientific
  method is to report to others your findings.
• You will help others learn.