Steps of the Scientific Method
An educated guess. We represent this with an if...then...because...statement.
Hypothesis
The 6th step of the scientific method (using your observations and data to determine if your hypothesis was accurate or not.)
Conclusion
The part that remains the same throughout the experiment.
control/constant variable.
How many types of dogs are there?
Not testable.
True or False. If you find your hypothesis was not proven after completing an experiment, that means you have failed as a scientist.
False: you still made a discovery
We have to do this in order to collect data.
The 5th step of the scientific method (Studying and making sense of what was observed during the experiment)
Analyze the results.
Dependent variable
How do rockets work?
Not testable
True or False, we use if...then...statements to write scientific questions.
False.
Once all of the other steps have been completed it is important to do this with your results.
Communicate/Share results.
You may do research or use prior knowledge to help you complete the second step of the scientific method.
Hypothesis.
The part that is changed during the experiment.
Independent variable.
How does changing the shape of a rocket's fins affect its ability to fly?
Testable question.
Joe wants to see how tall his bean plants will grow with different amounts of fertilizers. He plants four bean plants. One with no fertilizer and the other three with different amounts of the fertilizer.
What is the scientific question being tested here?
Does changing the amount of soil affect how tall bean plants grow?
The part that scientists try to solve or answer by using the scientific method
Question/Problem
All of the odd steps of the scientific method in order.
Question/Problem, Experiment, Analyze results, Communicate results
Scientists wanted to determine if Grade 12 students did better on tests if they chewed gum during the test. They gave one group gum and the same amount of time to complete a math test.
What is the independent variable?
Whether the students chewed gum or not during the test.
What makes something float or sink?
Not testable.
Does studying with music playing in the background affect test scores?
What is the dependent variable?
How great the test scores are.
Following a step by step procedure and using a specific materials list.
Experiment.
What is something you find out about objects, events, or living things using your five senses?
observations
Scientists wanted to determine if Grade 12 students did better on tests if they chewed gum during the test. They gave one group gum and the same amount of time to complete a math test.
What is the dependent variable
The students' performance on the test.
How does changing the type of soil affect how flowers grow?
Testable question.
True or False: Is this a well written hypothesis?
If I add more 3 hoops instead of 2 hoops to a hoop glider, perhaps the hoop glider will fly farther if I try to throw it really hard.