1 The Scientific Method
2 Fold your two papers in half.Each step should be on a separate page. Place the title of the step at the top of the page. Allow some room in the middle for a sketch, then, write the explanation at the bottom. Your sketches should be original and relate to each step. Don’t worry, I’m not expecting you to be a Picasso – then again, that would be cool…
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4 SCIENTIFIC METHOD= a logical or systematic approach to solve a problemSteps in the scientific method are not always performed in a specific order
5 Steps in the Scientific MethodStep 1: Stating the problem Description: Based on observations (gathering information using your senses), clearly explaining what you are concerned about. Step 2:Gathering Information Description: Finding out or reviewing everything related to the problem. Otherwise known as research.
6 Step 3: HYPOTHESIS= an educated predictionStep 3: HYPOTHESIS= an educated prediction. A hypothesis is stated in the “if… then…” form. EX: If Jimmy eats 20 Hershey bars, then he will get a stomach ache. Step 4: CONDUCTING AN EXPERIMENT= only one variable (a condition) is changed at a time. Why?
7 A. A scientist’s work needs to be reviewed, re-tested, and verified.Step 5: Record and Analyze Data = Data (recorded observations and measurements) is recorded from the experiment Step 6: Conclusion = After analyzing the data, reaching a logical conclusion that is consistent with the data. This often takes the form of a theory Theory = most logical explanation for events that happen in nature and is accepted by many scientists. SUMMARY: A. A scientist’s work needs to be reviewed, re-tested, and verified. B. Your hypothesis must be testable. C. In a controlled experiment, there is an experimental group (experiences change in one variable) and 2. a control group (experiences no change).
8 Example Problem: 7th graders get hyper after eating chocolate.HYPOTHESIS: If 7th graders eat a Hershey bar after lunch, then they will exhibit “hyper” behaviors.
9 PREDICTIONS: We will observe many different hyper behaviors. CONTROLLED EXPERIMENT: One half of 7th graders eat a free Hershey bar with lunch (experimental group). One half of 7th graders receive no Hershey bar at lunch (control group).
10 Experimental VariablesVARIABLE= the condition that is changed by the experimenter ( giving Hershey bars)
11 Define hyper behaviors:Toe tapping, pencil jiggling, humming etc. Record hyper behaviors