Presentation Transcript
Slide 1:Steps of the Scientific Method Notes = Green
Slide 2:Science is “characterized by a systematic gathering of information through various forms of direct and indirect observations and the testing of this information by methods including, but not limited to, experimentation.” Experiment:
Organized series of steps used to test a probable solution to a problem, commonly called a hypothesis.
Slide 3:1. State the problem:
What is the problem? Usually stated in the form
of a question
Example: Will taking one aspirin a day for 60 days decrease blood pressure in females ages 12-14? 2. Research the problem:
Gather information on the problem 3. Form a probable solution, or hypothesis, to your problem:
Make an educated guess as to what will solve
the problem. Should be done in an if-then
format.
Example: If a female aged 12-14 takes one aspirin a day for 60 days, then her blood pressure will decrease.
Slide 4:4. Test your hypothesis:
Do an experiment.
Example: Test 100 females, ages 12-14, to see if taking one aspirin a day lowers blood pressure in those females. Independent Variable:
The variable you change, on
purpose in an experiment.
To remember - “I” change it
In this experiment: taking the aspirin or not is the independent variable
Dependent Variable:
The response to the independent
variable
Example: whether blood pressure is affected or not
Slide 5:Control:
The group, or individual, that does not
receive the independent variable
Constants:
Conditions that remain the same in
the Experiment
(only females, only ages 12-14, only one aspirin a day, etc.) 5. Recording and analyzing the data:
Usually organized into data tables and then
graphed for ease of understanding and
visual appeal
Slide 6:Types of Graphs Bar Graph: used to compare data Line Graph: shows change over time Pie (circle) Graphs: show parts of a whole
Slide 7:6. Stating a conclusion:
What does all the data mean? Is your
hypothesis supported?
7. Repeating the work:
Possibly the most important part of scientific
inquiry!
When an experiment can be repeated and the same results achieved by different
experimenters, the experiment is validated.
Slide 8:Let's try it out!