Basic Scientific Method Notes

1. Practicing Scientific Method

2. Steps of the Scientific Method

3. 1.Title
2.Background information
3.Hypothesis
4.Materials
5.Controls & Variables
6.Procedure
7.Raw Data
8.Data Analysis
9.Conclusion
Components of Scientific Experiment

4. ●Writing a Background:
oWhat are you studying?
 Describe what you are studying (process,
molecule, etc)
oWhy are you studying it?
 Why is the topic important
oWhat do you already know/have you observed about
the topic?
 Complete research to explain topic and use
outside sources to present known information
Writing a Background

5. ●Variables are factors that change during an
experiment.
●Independent Variable (IV): variable that is
purposely changed during experiment
●Dependent Variable (DV): variable that
changes in response to purposeful change (IV)
Variables

6. ●Control: Variable that all others will be compared
to
oControl group gives you something to compare
the experimental group to
●Procedure: Numbered step by step instructions of
what you will do
●Constant: Experimental aspect that is kept the
same for all trials
oThere should be numerous constants per
experiment (shoot for at least five)

7. ●Title of Experiment:
oThe Effect of (Insert Independent Variable Here)
on (Insert Dependent Variables Here).
●Hypothesis of Experiment:
oIf (planned change in independent variable), then
(predicted change in dependent variable)
Or another way to look at it…
oIf (I do this) , then (this) will happen.
●Test your hypothesis by conducting the experiment

8. Example: Test
insulation of
different materials
on water
temperature in a
glass jar.

9. ●Title: The Effect of Type of Insulation Wrap on
Temperature of Water in a Jar
●Hypothesis: If three canning jars of water in the sun are
wrapped with different types of insulation (cotton, wool &
nylon), then the temperature of the water in the wool
insulated jar will increase the least compared to the cotton
and nylon.
●Independent Variable: Type of insulation
●Dependent Variable: Change in temperature of water in
jar

10. Collect Data
Table 1. Effect of Insulation Type on Water Temperature (Celsius)
Control (No
insulation)
IV 1 (Cotton) IV 2
(Wool)
IV 3
(Nylon)
Results of
Trials (May be
more than 1)
Results of
Trials (May be
more than 1)
Results of
Trials (May be
more than 1)
Results of
Trials (May be
more than 1)

11. Analyze your data:
a.Qualitative (They’re hot!), Quantitative
(They’re a 10!)
b.Complete calculations to summarize data (if
necessary):
i.Average, Median, Mode, Percent Change
c.Create a graph/chart most appropriate to
show results
Data & Results

12. ●Conclusion:
a.Restate the hypothesis and describe if it was confirmed or contradicted.
b.State the answer to your question
c.Describe what the graph indicates
d.Explain your results using data
e.Describe any limitations or observed errors that influenced your results (do
not state human error)
f.Describe modifications to improve the experiment and future topics of study
g.Connect your findings to the real world or other studies.
Data & Results

13. A group of scientists want to measure the effect of adding
different types of nutrients to the same plant species. They
plan to add 3 different nutrients to the same species and
measure the effect on the plant’s growth.
1.What is the independent variable?
2.What is the dependent variable?
3.What would be an appropriate control?
4.What are some of the constants?
5.Describe what the graph would probably look like.
Practice Science Method