The Scientific Method - Video Notes

Introduction / Background

  • The scientific method is the process of using a series of logical steps to help us design correct experiments, in order to solve problems in science.
  • It can be used in all scientific disciplines.
  • Without realizing it, many people apply scientific method logic for solving everyday problems.
  • For a quick overview of the Scientific Method, a video reference is mentioned in the source material.

An Everyday Example

  • Scenario: You want to go outside in the dark with a flashlight.
  • Observation: The flashlight is not working.
  • Hypothesis (initial): Maybe the battery is dead.
  • Action: Replace the batteries with new ones.
  • Observation after replacement: The flashlight still does not turn on.
  • Next hypothesis: Maybe the light bulb is burned out.
  • Action: Find a new bulb and replace it.
  • Observation after bulb replacement: The flashlight works, and you can go for your walk.
  • Conclusion from the example: The problem was not just a dead battery; the bulb was burned out.

Thought Process… (Scientific Method Steps and How They Flow)

  • Observation: e.g., "Flashlight is not working!"
  • Question: "Why is my flashlight not working?"
  • Hypothesis: e.g., "Maybe the battery is dead."
  • Prediction: e.g., "If I replace the battery the flashlight will work."
  • Experiment: Replace the battery.
  • Result: The flashlight still does not work.
  • Conclusion: "It was not the battery."
  • Since the result is negative, go back to Step 3 to form a new hypothesis.
  • Retest.
  • New hypothesis: e.g., "Maybe the bulb is burnt out."
  • Prediction: e.g., "If I replace the bulb, the flashlight will finally work."
  • Experiment: Replace the bulb.
  • Result: The flashlight now works.
  • Conclusion: The problem was not just a dead battery; the bulb was burned out.

The ACTUAL Process…

  • Make observation
  • Ask question
  • Check background information
  • Perform experiment
  • Make prediction
  • Formulate hypothesis
  • Make conclusion
  • Accept or reject the hypothesis
  • Report your findings

Pre-Lab Thoughts… (Before Beginning the Lab)

  • Answer or address the questions BEFORE starting the lab exercise:
    • Think of a different example of how you have used the scientific method to solve an everyday problem.
    • Write out the scientific method steps for your example: observation, question, hypothesis, prediction, experiment, result, conclusion.
    • Example structure to fill in (as in the source):
    • Observation: _
    • Question:
    • Hypothesis: ___
    • Prediction: ___
    • Experiment: ___
    • Result: _
    • Conclusion: ___

Hypothesis vs Theory

  • Hypothesis
    • A possible explanation for an observation.
    • Must be tested to determine its validity.
    • Often tested in many different ways.
    • Allows for predictions to be made.
    • Can be changed and refined (edited) with new data.
  • Theory
    • A body of interconnected concepts.
    • Is supported by much experimental evidence and scientific reasoning.
    • Expresses ideas of which we are most often certain.

Materials for this lab

  • Timers (cell phones, stopwatches, etc.)
  • Lab worksheets to record your results
  • Experimental subjects – you & your classmates
  • Location to do the experiment – our lab room

Let’s Experiment!!!

  • Work with your lab group and follow the procedure on the worksheet/handout that you picked up from the front desk.

For the Lab Exam… (What you should know)

  • You should know, or be familiar with, the following:
    • The scientific method, the steps & their definition, and what is done for each step.
    • What a hypothesis is and how to write one.
    • What a theory is.