The scientific method is a systematic process used to investigate questions and develop answers. It involves stating a problem, conducting research, developing a hypothesis, experimentation, analysis of data, and communication of findings. The goal is to obtain accurate, unbiased results. Key aspects of the scientific method include developing a hypothesis, conducting controlled experiments that vary one variable at a time, collecting and analyzing quantitative data, and drawing conclusions based on whether the data supports or rejects the initial hypothesis.

1. The Scientific Method

2. Science is a process; a way of finding answers to all kinds of questions. The scientific method ____________________ ____________________________________________________________________________ is a systematic process used to investigate questions and develop answers

3. Steps of the Scientific Method State the Problem: Research: Ask a question about something you observe Find out what is already known about your topic

4. Develop a Hypothesis: Typically formatted as an _________________ ______________________________________ The hypothesis identifies the independent and dependent variables of the experiment Independent Variable: Dependent Variable: statement” The variable that is changed by the scientist (on the x-axis of graph) “ If _____ then_____ The variable that is measured by the scientist (data collected, on the y-axis of graph) to explain how something works An educated attempt

5. Conduct an Experiment: The procedure must be clearly outlined so that the experiment can be duplicated. Constants: Control Group: under controlled settings test the hypothesis All variables other than the independent variable must be the same among the different experimental groups throughout the experiment point of comparison for all other experimental groups The setup that is used as a

6. Variable or Experimental Group: Data must be collected and organized into ______________________________________ charts and graphs The setup that has an independent variable that is different from the control group

7. Draw a Conclusion : If the data agrees with the hypothesis _______ ______________________________________ If the data does not agree with the hypothesis ____________________________________________________________________________ it is accepted as an explanation then that explanation is rejected and a new hypothesis must be formed and tested Analyze the data collected during the experiment and determine if it agrees with the hypothesis

8. Communicate Findings: Research can be reported in a peer reviewed journal or presented at a conference share your findings with the scientific community and public

9. The scientific method is used in an attempt ______________________________________ To ____________________ of results the experimental design should: _________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ to obtain accurate, unbiased results increase the accuracy Include a large sample size Repeat the experiment with multiple trials Use random sampling when choosing experimental subjects

10. To ______________ in an experiment using human subjects the use of a double blind experiment may be necessary: In a double blind experiment ________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Ex: the experimental group may be taking a new trial drug while the control group is taking a placebo (_______________________________ ____________________________________) reduce the bias the subjects of a treatment that does not contain the experiment and the scientists administering the treatments do not know who is in the control and experimental groups the active drug