The Scientific Method
What is the saying we use to remember the 6 steps to the scientific method?
Queen Rachel Hates Eating Dirty Carrots
This is information you gather using your senses
Observations
The variable that the scientist changes is called...
Independent Variable
What is the format we use to write a hypothesis?
If....then...
How many steps are in the scientific method?
6
What is the first step to the scientific method?
Ask a question
Observation or Inference?
"The floor is wet"
Observation
The variable that the scientist measures or observes is called...
Dependent variable
Is this a hypothesis?
"Do plants need sunlight to grow?"
No
List the 3 kinds of variables
Independent, Dependent, and control
This is the 5th step of the scientific method where you use observations and measurements collected during the experiment.
Analyze data
Observation or Inference?
"If the dog is barking, then someone must be at the door"
Inference
The variable that must remain constant is called..
Control Variable
Complete this hypothesis:
"If I study more..."
...then I will get better grades
What is the dependent variable?
"If I go to bed earlier, then I will wake up earlier."
The time I wake up
In this step of the scientific method you read books, search reliable websites, and talk to other scientists.
Step 2- Conduct Research
Which part of this statement is the INFERENCE?
"The lights are off, and nobody is inside. The building is probably closed."
"The building is probably closed"
Identify the independent and dependent variable:
"If I go get a coffee everyday, then I will have less money"
Independent: Going to get coffee vs not going
Dependent: Amount of money
Write a hypothesis:
"Does music affect focus while studying"
If I play music while studying, then I will be able to focus better while studying."
"Number of leaves on a plant"
"Amount of sunlight"
Which is the independent and which is the dependent? Then, identify a possible control variable.
Independent: Amount of sunlight
Dependent: Number of leaves
Control: type of plant, type of soil, amount of water, type/size of pot
What are the 6 steps of the scientific method in order?
Question
Research
Hypothesis
Experiment
Data
Conclusion
What is the difference between an observation and an inference? Give examples.
An observation is something you see, hear, smell, taste, or feel. An inference is a guess or prediction based on an observation.
Observation: The grass is wet
Inference: It must have rained last night
Identify TWO control variables:
"Does having 1st hour PE affect a students tiredness levels throughout the day?"
Example control variables:
The student
The activity done in PE
The food the student eats during the day
The amount of caffeine the student drinks
The activities completed during the remainder of the day after PE
Write a hypothesis about boiling water
If I boil cold water, then it will boil quicker.
If I add salt to my water, then it will boil faster.
If I use a larger pot to boil water, then it will take longer to boil.
Write a hypothesis that has not been used in this game & identify the independent and dependent variables
Responses will vary