Scientific Method, Scientific Method

scientific method

a series of steps that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems

problem

always in form of a question; the question we are trying to answer by doing the experiment

hypothesis

An educated, testable, guess

data and results

A summary of the data you have collected (graphs, tables, charts, photos, etc.); all your observations from the experiment

conclusion

the answer to your question; a summary of what you have learned from an experiment

control group

part of an experiment that does not contain a variable; all conditions are kept normal; used as a COMPARISON

independent/manipulated variable

factor in an experiment that a scientist purposely changes; the cause

dependent/responding variable

the factor that changes (measured) as a result of the experiment; the effect

Problem

The question you want to answer. Inquiry has led to many discoveries in science. Ask your question.

Problem

How does the amount of water in a bottle affect the sound made when the bottle is tapped?

Hypothesis

Tell what you think is the answer to the problem

Hypothesis

If the amount of water is more, then the sound will be lower when the bottle is tapped.

Variables

Change one thing when you test your hypothesis. Keep everything else the same.

Variables

Use four bottles of the same size. Leave the first bottle empty. Put a little water in the second bottle. Fill the third bottle halfway. Fill the fourth bottle almost full with water.

Experiments

Test your hypothesis. You may need to do this step more than once to see if the results are the same each time.

Experiments

Tap each bottle with a spoon.

Data

Organize into charts, tables, drawing, and diagrams. You can decide what the information means.

Data

Empty bottle means high sound, a little water means lower sound, half full means ever lower sound, and full means lowest sound.

Conclusion

Compare your results and hypothesis. Decide if your hypothesis is right or wrong. Tell what you decide.

Conclusion

The more water in the bottle the lower the sound.

Inquire

Use what you learn to answer other problems or questions . You may want to do your experiment again or change your experiment.

Inquire

Does the size of a bottle affect the sound made when the bottle is topped?

Theory

A plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena.

Scientific Method Order

Question, observation, hypothesis, controlled experiment, conclusion