SciMethod

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Scientific Method : 

Scientific Method Finding out how science really works, understanding and applying science

How you use the scientific method varies depending on whether you’re:: 

How you use the scientific method varies depending on whether you’re: Doing an experiment Writing a computer program Building or testing a device Researching & tabulating data

Stating the Problem: 

Stating the Problem Ask a question that your project will answer. Remember the 5 W’s: Who, What, Where, When, Why

General vs. Specific Questions: 

General vs. Specific Questions Does rock music have a bad effect on grades? What is the difference in grades of students listening to rock music while doing homework?

Hypothesis : 

Hypothesis Making a prediction about the answer or solution Based on facts that you already know or have discovered by doing background research Starts with “I predict” or “I expect”

Questions vs. Hypothesis: 

Questions vs. Hypothesis What is the difference in grades of student listening to rock music while doing homework? I predict that students who listen to rock music while doing homework will have lower scores than students who listen to classical music while doing homework.

Subjects, Experimental Groups, Control Groups: 

Subjects, Experimental Groups, Control Groups Subject: things being tested Experimental Group: subjects with changes applied Control Groups: subjects with no changes applied…REMAIN CONSTANT

Variables: 

Variables Dependent Variable: the results the responding variable observed for changes Independent Variable: the manipulated variable the variable the scientist purposely changes Only one in each experiment

Controls : 

Controls factor of the experiment that scientists purposely keep the same Used to ensure validity of experiment IMPORTANT: so you know what caused the results!!

Examples of Subject, Variables, Controls: 

Examples of Subject, Variables, Controls

Materials: 

Materials List all materials and supplies needed Buy and borrow Build if necessary BE THOROUGH!!

Procedure: 

Procedure Sequential, numbered list Step-by-step How you plan to do the project Easy to follow Goal: So clearly written that you could hand your procedure to another person and they could perform the experiment EXACTLY like you did!

Things to Remember when Planning an Experiment: Number 1: 

Things to Remember when Planning an Experiment: Number 1 The more subjects you use, the more reliable the results are. But don’t go overboard Plants: at least 50 People: at least 20

Things to Remember when Planning an Experiment: Number 2: 

Things to Remember when Planning an Experiment: Number 2 Do your experiment enough times to give conclusive results Minimum of 5 trials (if all results are the same) Ten or more times…results are more meaningful…conclusion more valid

Things to Remember when Planning an Experiment: Number 3: 

Things to Remember when Planning an Experiment: Number 3 If you are doing a research project, look at as much data as you can to get enough information to make comparisons. When researching, use scientifically gathered data for comparison

Things to Remember when Planning an Experiment: Number 4: 

Things to Remember when Planning an Experiment: Number 4 If you’ve developed a device or program for a computer or engineering project, you need to test it enough to make sure that it really works.

Compiling Results: 

Compiling Results Arrange data collected in a clear and intelligible way. ((GOOD DATA TABLES!!)) Also some calculations: Averages % error graphing

Conclusions: 

Conclusions Summarizes your experiment Analyzes the data Three results: Support the hypothesis Does not support the hypothesis Inconclusive

A “good” conclusion includes:: 

A “good” conclusion includes: Restate the hypothesis. ((Word for word)) Describe and interpret your results. Compare your results to your original hypothesis. Summarize your conclusion. Critique your own project design, techniques, and procedures. Suggest possible improvements