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Science Inquiry
Performing the
Experiment
Collecting &
Presenting Data
In your lab notebook, please answer as best you can:
1. What are the four MAIN steps of the Scientific Method?
• Observation, Hypothesis, Experiment, Conclusion
2. What happens during the FIRST step of the Scientific Method?
• Observe the world around you, recognize a problem/curiosity, ask a testable
question, and gather background information
3. What is an “If…, then…, because…” statement that gives an educated
guess to the scientific question being investigated?
• Hypothesis
4. What are the things in an experiment that will change called?
• Variables
4. Name what IV and DV stand for and explain what they are.
• IV = Independent Variable, the thing you choose to test/change (cause)
• DV = Dependent Variable, the measured response to the IV (effect)
Bonus Q: What are the things in an experiment that do NOT change called & why are they important?
Review
Quiz 13
Bias in Scientific Research
• Hypothesizing requires speculation
– bias is an assumed belief that affect the way you see and
understand things
– bias is always present when formulating a hypothesis
• The Scientific Method forces only the
facts to be considered
– seeks to eliminate variables that can skew
results
– encourages collaboration & accountability
• shared results, repeated studies
– still, bias is ALWAYS present & affects
many research outcomes
The Scientific Method - Experiment
• What will you need to perform your experiment?
– List of materials
• Fine-tune your list, plan ahead
• Remember safety equipment
• HOW will you perform the experiment?
– Step-by-step procedure
• Specific and detailed!
• Include method of data collection
– DEMO: Build a Model
Lab Safety
• Read, listen, and follow directions carefully.
• NO gum, food or drinks during lab time.
• Proper attire (shoes, hair, protective items).
– Goggles, labs coats & gloves will be provided.
• Eyewash sink (for skin, too).
• Fumes.
• Clean-up (proper disposal). *NOT down the drain*
The Scientific Method –
Performing the Experiment
• Write down your:
–Modified List of Materials
• Add to or remove items from your previous list
• Plan on enough materials for MULTIPLE TRIALS
• Include safety gear/supplies
–Detailed List of Procedures
• Step-by-step
• Numbered list
• Objective (measurable) data collection
• Planned ahead with written instructions, but edit in
detail as the experiment is performed
State the
Problem (as a ?)
Do Background
Research
"Best Guess"
Solution
Design (Materials
& Procedures)
Perform (Collect
& Analyze Data)
Report Results
Hypothesis is
False or Partly True
Hypothesis is
True
Revise!
Try Again
Conclusion
Experiment
Hypothesis
Observation
Experiment Procedures
• To perform an experiment, you need written
procedures. Why?
– to record EXACTLY what you did
• Detailed, step-by-step instructions
• Specific list of materials (name brand of soap used, etc.)
– so it can be repeated (by you or others)
Experiment Data Collection
• As you perform the experiment, observations and
data must be recorded.
– measurements listed in a chart
– written observations
– drawings
– photos
Magnet Type
(Independent Variable)
Distance to Paper Clip (cm)
(Dependent Variable)
N Pole
Trial 1 Trial 2
S Pole
Trial 1 Trial 2
Midway
between N & S
Ceramic bar
Neodymium disc
Oval hematite
The Scientific Method - Conclusion
• Next, an analysis of the data is required:
– numbers, observations, and measurements are broken
down, organized, and studied to gain better understanding
– patterns often emerge, showing cause-and-effect
relationships
• After analyzing your data, you form a CONCLUSION
– The measurements, when compared, showed an average 1.6 mm
difference in length and .8 mm difference in width.
– The cast was almost identical in shape, but did not fit into the mold of
the hypothesized animal because it was 7 mm smaller in width and 4
mm shorter length-wise.
– This supports the hypothesis that the animal tracks were made by...
The Scientific Method
• If hypothesis is rejected
– modify and repeat
• If hypothesis is supported
– repeat to verify results
– share findings and let others perform the experiment
• Either way, something was learned!
– NEVER make up results simply because you
think it was “supposed” to go differently
State the
Problem (as a ?)
Do Background
Research
"Best Guess"
Solution
Design (Materials
& Procedures)
Perform (Collect
& Analyze Data)
Report Results
Hypothesis is
False or Partly True
Hypothesis is
True
Revise!
Try Again
Conclusion
Experiment
Hypothesis
Observation
F = Gm1m2
r2
Fact - Theory - Law
• Fact:
– an objective, verifiable observation of
something that occurs in our natural world
– i.e. gravity, natural selection, heat exchange
• Theory:
– an explanation of how natural occurrences work
• it can be repeated, and tested with predictable results
• a hypothesis that is proven correct often explains part of theory
– i.e. Theory of Gravity, Theory of Evolution, Kinetic Theory of Matter
• Law:
– a mathematical description of observable phenomenon
– i.e. Newton's First Law of Universal Gravitation