Scientific Method Steps
What is the process used to find answers to questions about the world around us?
The Scientific Method
What is any part of an experiment that can change?
Variable
What was SpongeBob’s problem in the experiment?
Whether Clean-O detergent makes pants cleaner
What kind of statement is a hypothesis written as?
An “If… then…” statement
What are the four basic elements of a bar graph?
Title, X-axis, Y-axis, Bars
What is the first step of the scientific method?
Purpose or Question
What variable is changed by the scientist?
Independent Variable
What was the independent variable in SpongeBob’s experiment?
Type of detergent used
Write a hypothesis: “Does TV time affect reading scores?”
If TV time increases, then reading scores will decrease.
What should every graph title include?
Both the independent and dependent variables
What comes after forming a hypothesis in the scientific method?
Experiment
What variable is measured or observed during the experiment?
Dependent Variable
What was the dependent variable in SpongeBob’s experiment?
How clean the pants are
Write a hypothesis: “Does light affect sow bug activity?”
If light increases, then sow bug activity decreases.
What does the X-axis on a bar graph represent?
Independent Variable
What step involves recording data, making graphs, and analyzing results?
Analysis
What variables are kept the same throughout an experiment?
Controlled Variables
What was the control group in SpongeBob’s experiment?
Pants washed in plain water
Write a hypothesis: “Does calcium chloride affect water temperature?”
If calcium chloride increases, then water temperature will increase.
What does the Y-axis on a bar graph represent?
Dependent Variable
What is the final step of the scientific method where you summarize your experiment?
Conclusion
What is the group that is not being tested and used for comparison?
Control Group
What was SpongeBob’s conclusion?
Clean-O detergent does not make pants any cleaner than plain water
Write a hypothesis: “Does fertilizer type affect bean plants?”
If fertilizer type changes, then plant growth will decrease.
What do the bars on a bar graph represent?
Data for each group (height = frequency/amount)