Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

September 9, 2014September 9, 2014

ObjectivesObjectives

1.1. Recognize the Steps of the Scientific Recognize the Steps of the Scientific MethodMethod

2.2. Understand the terminology that is Understand the terminology that is involvedinvolved

3.3. Use an example problem to work through Use an example problem to work through each of the Stepseach of the Steps

The The Scientific Scientific MethodMethod involves a involves a series of steps that series of steps that

are used to are used to investigate a investigate a

natural natural occurrence. occurrence.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

1. 1. Problem/QuestionProblem/Question: : Develop a Develop a question or problem that can question or problem that can

be solved through be solved through experimentation.experimentation.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

2. 2. Observation/ResearchObservation/Research: : Make Make observations and research observations and research

your topic of interest.your topic of interest.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

3. 3. Formulate a HypothesisFormulate a Hypothesis: : Predict a possible answer to Predict a possible answer to

the problem or question.the problem or question.

Example:Example: If If soil temperaturessoil temperatures rise, then rise, then plant growthplant growth will will

increase.increase.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

4. 4. ExperimentExperiment: : Develop and Develop and follow a follow a procedureprocedure..

Include a detailed Include a detailed materialsmaterials list. list.The outcome must be The outcome must be

measurable (quantifiable).measurable (quantifiable).Include tables, graphs, and Include tables, graphs, and

photographs.photographs.

Independent VariableIndependent Variable

a factor that’s varied by the a factor that’s varied by the experimenter.experimenter.

Experimental factorExperimental factor

Dependent VariableDependent Variable

the factor that may change as a the factor that may change as a result of changes made in the result of changes made in the

independent variable.independent variable.Being measuredBeing measured

Control GroupControl Group

standard of comparison.standard of comparison.

The control group may be a “no The control group may be a “no treatment" or an “experimenter treatment" or an “experimenter

selected” group.selected” group.

Control GroupControl Group

The control group is exposed to The control group is exposed to the same conditions as the the same conditions as the

experimental group, except for experimental group, except for the variable being tested.the variable being tested.

AllAll experiments should have a experiments should have a control group.control group.

ConstantsConstants

The constants in an The constants in an experiment are all the experiment are all the

factors that the factors that the experimenter attempts experimenter attempts

to keep the same. to keep the same.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

5. 5. Collect and Analyze ResultsCollect and Analyze Results: : Modify the procedure if needed.Modify the procedure if needed.

Confirm the results by retesting.Confirm the results by retesting.

Make recommendations for further Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements study and possible improvements

to the procedure.to the procedure.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

6. 6. ConclusionConclusion: : Include a Include a statement that accepts or statement that accepts or

rejects the hypothesis.rejects the hypothesis.

Steps of the Steps of the Scientific MethodScientific Method

7. 7. Communicate the ResultsCommunicate the Results: : Be Be prepared to present the project prepared to present the project

to an audience.to an audience.

Expect questions from the Expect questions from the audience. audience.