The document outlines the key steps of the scientific method including observation, hypothesis, experiment, and conclusion. It emphasizes the importance of recording specific procedures so experiments can be performed by others. The conclusion should state whether the data supports or contradicts the original hypothesis. Errors should be noted to improve future experiments, and plans for further investigation should be proposed.

1. Science Inquiry III
Forming a
Conclusion

2. 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 is BIAS in science?
• An assumed belief that affects the way you see or understand things.
3. Give two reasons specific procedures should be written down.
• So it can be performed by YOU (as stated, in multiple trials)
• So it can be performed by OTHERS
• So your results can be evaluated
4. What is the outcome (the “effect”) of the experiment called?
• Dependent Variable
4. Which data should be graphed on the X axis?
• IV = Independent Variable, the thing you choose to test/change (cause)
Bonus Q: What is a qualitative description (compared to quantitative)?
Review
Quiz 13

3. 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

4. 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

5. Data Analysis
• Next, analyze the data to show cause/effect
– Numbers, observations, and measurements are
broken down, organized, and studied
– Graphing the data allows patterns to emerge,
showing cause-and-effect relationships
• Independent Variable on the X-axis
• Dependent Variable on the Y-axis
– Label each axis
– Include units and a title

6. Sample Line Graph

7. Experiment Conclusion
• After explaining what your data shows, state
your CONCLUSION
– Restate/rephrase your hypothesis
– Tell whether your data supports or contradicts your
hypothesis
– Example:
• 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.
• Therefore, this does not support the hypothesis that the animal
tracks were made by a skunk.

8. The Scientific Method
• If hypothesis is rejected
– share findings and let others perform the experiment
– modify your hypothesis and perform another experiment
• If hypothesis is supported
– share findings and let others perform the experiment
– repeat to verify results
• Either way, something was learned!
– NEVER make up results simply because you
think it was “supposed” to go differently
– NEVER change your hypothesis before forming
a conclusion

9. Evaluating Error
• EVERY experiment has errors
– Uncontrolled variables
• Weather, animal behavior, unexpected interruptions
– Data collection errors
• Inconsistent methods, accidents, contamination
• Sloppy recording (can’t read writing, mixed numbers)
• Be sure to record and note in your conclusion
all errors and ways they could be corrected in
future experiments.

10. What’s Next?
• Include plans for further experimentation
– Revisions: what would you do different next time?
– New questions: revised hypothesis or different
(but related) questions to investigate.
• Include WHY you want to
change things for your next
experiment!

11. 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

12. 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