1. Scientific Method
Experimental Design

2. It all starts with a question!
• Who, what, when, where, why?
• Scientists work to answer questions.
• The need to find answers drives
technology.
• New technology leads to new discoveries
and more questions.

3. Research/Data Collection
• The longest (on going) phase of scientific
investigation. Data = any and all
information scientists gather in trying
to answer their questions.
• The next step is to gather information.
• What do we know? We have to be
informed before we can make an……..

4. Data Collection
• Data is collected through OBSERVATION.
• 5 senses – exactly what is felt, seen,
heard, smelled, or tasted.
• Inference= interpretation of observation.
• Described 1 of 2 ways:
• Quantitative = Numbers ex: 43 inches
• Qualitative = Words ex: blue, gritty

5. HYPOTHESIS
• Statement that explains the
observations and can be tested.
• Testable only if evidence can be collected
that either does or does NOT support it.
• May be supported by evidence but can be
refined, revised, or discarded as new
evidence is uncovered.

6. Experimenting
The process of testing a hypothesis or
prediction by gathering data under
CONTROLLED CONDITIONS.

7. Controlled Experiment
• Comparison of a control group with an
experimental group.
• Groups are identical except for 1 factor.
• Control Group has nothing “new”
happening to it. The same old, same old.
• Experimental Group – has the
independent variable applied (something
“new”).

8. Variables
• Independent Variable – the factor that
the scientist manipulates.
• Dependent Variable – the factor that the
scientist observes or measures.
• Ex:

9. Analyzing Data and Drawing
Conclusions
• Data has to be organized.
• Charts, Graphs, paragraphs, etc.
• Process of determining if data is reliable
• Does it support hypothesis?

10. Theory
• A broad and comprehensive statement of
what is thought to be true.
• Supported by considerable evidence.
• May tie together several related
hypotheses.
• Few true theories are produced in science.