The Scientific Method

A quintessential tool for discovering the world around us.

Scientific Method Background, Why?

Science has been molded from great thinkers dating back to the 10th century It is hard to pin back when and who invented this thinking This has been adopted by scientist to solve some of the great problems of our time

Without a process how do we compare and contrast experiments to see who is more believable?

The minds and the methods

Polio vaccine Gravity
Look at all links, write down 4 facts you learned for each

Galileo Galilee
Law of Conservation of mass J.J. Thompson

Ask a Question
1

Background Research
2

Hypothesis

Experimental Procedure
4

Analyze the data

5

Results
6

Ask a Question
In order for you to design an experiment, there needs to be a purpose. Why is this important What do you want to know

Back to list

 What you know vs. what you want to know

Background Research

Understanding what is essential to explore the issue in mind What information is needed to understand what it will mean Example: plant variables
o I know plants need sunlight water and nutrients to grow

Back to list

Hypothesis
Focus on an if than statement If I dont wash my car then it will get dirty Focus on one variable Concise statement on what you want to learn This is not permanent, Hypothesis can change to adapt your experiment Back to List

Procedure
Detailed explanation of what will happen in your experiment This is done to ensure your experiment can be repeated This is also important so the experimenter can tailor and change an experiment Back to List

Analyze the Data

There has to be some measurable quantity in which to judge against different trials and circumstances Does your data support your hypothesis If not, why? Back to List

Results
Expression of data to support the hypotheses Presented in many ways
o Graphs, charts, data.

Back to List

Conclusion
Last what is learned by this experiment What real world significance is expressed

Or as simple as what the experimenter has learned

Also include what happened or issues that manifested in the experiment

Good or Bad Experiment

If the sun rises than the sun will set
Poor Good

The less water a plant gets, the less it will grow

If I work hard in class then I will get better grades

If I Listen to rap music then I will be more hip The more milk I drink the stronger my bones will be

Good

Poor

Poor

Student Participation
This is to be done on a separate sheet of paper and submitted by the end of class. Find out if there is only one scientific method.

Make 3 testable hypothesis

Research a famous experiment and analyze what was done, and how they did it. Emphasis on identifying parts of the scientific method. What do we know now from that experiment.