Steps of

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Steps of the Scientific Method
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• The Scientific Method involves a series of steps
  that are used to investigate a natural
  occurrence.

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Scientific Method

• Problem/Question
• Observation/Research
• Formulate a Hypothesis
• Experiment/Procedure
• Collect Data
• Analyze Results
• Conclusion

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Steps of the Scientific Method

• 1. Problem/Question Develop a question or
  problem that can be solved through
  experimentation.

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Steps of the Scientific Method

• 2. Observation/Research Make observations and
  research your topic of interest.

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Steps of the Scientific Method

• 3. Formulate a Hypothesis Predict a possible
  answer to the problem or question.
• Example If soil temperatures rise, then plant
  growth will increase.

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Steps of the Scientific Method

• 4. Experiment/Procedure Steps Develop and
  follow a procedure.
• Include a detailed materials list.
• The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).

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Steps of the Scientific Method

• 5. Collect Data Modify the procedure if needed.
• Include tables, graphs, and photographs

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Steps of the Scientific Method

• 6. Analyze Results
• Discuss the results. Reference tables and graphs
  by titles

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Steps of the Scientific Method

• 6. Conclusion Include a statement that accepts
  or rejects the hypothesis.

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Identifying VariablesDesigning Investigations
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3 Kinds of Variables

• Independent Variable something that is changed
  by the scientist
• What is tested
• What is manipulated

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3 Kinds of Variables

• Dependent Variable something that might be
  affected by the change in the independent
  variable
• What is observed
• What is measured
• The data collected during the investigation

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3 Kinds of Variables

• Controlled Variable a variable that is not
  changed
• Also called constants
• Allow for a fair test

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For Example
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Students of different ages were given the same
jigsaw puzzle to put together. They were timed
to see how long it took to finish the puzzle.
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Identify the variables in this investigation.
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What was the independent variable?

• Ages of the students
• Different ages were tested by the scientist

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What was the dependent variable?

• The time it to put the puzzle together
• The time was observed and measured by the
  scientist

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What was a controlled variable?

• Same puzzle
• All of the participants were tested with the same
  puzzle.
• It would not have been a fair test if some had an
  easy 30 piece puzzle and some had a harder 500
  piece puzzle.

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One more
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The higher the temperature of water, the faster
an egg will boil.
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• Independent variable temperature of water
• Dependent variable time to cook an egg
• Controlled variable type of egg

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Last one
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The temperature of water was measured at
different depths of a pond.
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• Independent variable depth of the water
• Dependent variable temperature
• Controlled variable thermometer