1. Agenda Bell Work
• Finish Sam Science
• Pick up Density WS
and complete
• Notes: Steps of the
Scientific Method
• Collect and Analyze
Dunk Tank
• Metric and
Conversion Quiz
tomorrow

2. Steps of the
Scientific Method
September 13, 2012

3. Objectives
1. Recognize the Steps of the Scientific
Method
2. Understand the terminology that is
involved
3. Use an example problem to work
through each of the Steps

4. The Scientific
Method involves a
series of steps that
are used to
investigate a
natural
occurrence.

5. Problem/Question
Observation/Research
Formulate a Hypothesis
Experiment
Collect and Analyze Results
Conclusion
Communicate the Results

6. Steps of the
Scientific Method
1. Problem/Question: Develop a
question or problem that can
be solved through
experimentation.

7. Steps of the
Scientific Method
2. Observation/Research: Make
observations and research
your topic of interest.

8. Steps of the
Scientific Method
3. Formulate a Hypothesis:
Predict a possible answer to
the problem or question.
Example: If soil temperatures
rise, then plant growth will
increase.

9. Steps of the
Scientific Method
4. Experiment: Develop and
follow a procedure.
Include a detailed materials list.
The outcome must be
measurable (quantifiable).
Include tables, graphs, and
photographs.

10. Steps of the
Scientific Method
5. Collect and Analyze Results:
Modify the procedure if needed.
Confirm the results by retesting.
Make recommendations for further
study and possible improvements
to the procedure.

11. Steps of the
Scientific Method
6. Conclusion: Include a
statement that accepts or
rejects the hypothesis.

12. Steps of the
Scientific Method
7. Communicate the Results: Be
prepared to present the project
to an audience.
Expect questions from the
audience.

13. Let’s put our knowledge of the
Scientific Method to a realistic
example that includes some of the
terms you’ll be needing to use and
understand.

14. Do you know the difference
between the independent
and dependent variables?

15. Agenda Bell work
• Finish Scientific Method What are the steps of the
Notes scientific method?
• Simpson’s Experiments For the Density Dunk Tank
what is the problem,
hypothesis, and our
• Writing a Lab Report experimental design?
• HW: Outline Chp 1
pgs. 3-4, 7-11

16. Metrics and Methods Test Topics
• What is Physical Science?
• Science vs. Technology
• Safety
• Metric System
• Metric Conversion
• Graphing
• Scientific Method
• Scientific Variables

17. Independent Variable
a factor that’s varied by the
experimenter.

18. Dependent Variable
the factor that may change as a
result of changes made in the
independent variable.

19. Control Group
standard of comparison.
The control group may be a “no
treatment" or an “experimenter
selected” group.

20. Control Group
The control group is exposed to
the same conditions as the
experimental group, except for
the variable being tested.
All experiments should have a
control group.

21. Constants
The constants in an
experiment are all the
factors that the
experimenter attempts
to keep the same.