Scientific Method Steps
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First
Name the Independent Variable:
Are test scores impacted by the amount of time spent sleeping the night before a test?
Amount of time sleeping
The variable you change on purpose
Independent variable
Lists the directions to conduct the experiment
Procedures
Why is it important to write detailed procedures?
So that your experiment can be replicated.
Communicate Results
Last (Seventh)
Name the dependent variable:
Does the presence of caffeine affect your appetite?
Your appetite
What is the difference between repetition and replication?
Repetition refers to repeating trials three or more times for accurate data. Replication refers to the ability of your experimental design to be copied by someone else.
Your initial prediction of the results
Hypothesis
Why do we repeat our experiments three or more times?
To collect accurate data
Construct a Hypothesis
Third
Name the independent variable:
A stapler is used to staple 100 papers, it jams 5 times during the trial. A different brand of stapler performs the same test; it jams 22 times.
The brand of stapler.
Name the dependent variable:
The blood pressure of a soldier is measured while he is resting. The soldier is then exposed to a stressful environment and his blood pressure is measured again.
The soldier's blood pressure.
The variable you measure
Dependent variable
What is missing from this experimental design:
Problem, Hypothesis, Materials List, Data Table, Conclusion
Graph
Conduct an Experiment
Name the dependent variable:
The respiration rate of a goldfish is measured. The goldfish is then placed in cold water and the respiration rate is measured again.
The respiration rate of the goldfish.
Why do scientists need to communicate their results?
So that the scientific community can review the information and use it for further studies.
Used to analyze the data collected
Graph
What should be the first step in any list of procedures?
Gather materials.
Do Background Research
Second
Name the control group:
A cow is given a growth hormone and then compared to another cow that was not given a growth hormone. Both cows were weighed at 2 years.
The cow that was given no hormone.
Name the controlled variable:
You water three sunflower plants with salt water. Each plant receives a different concentration of salt solutions. A fourth plant receives pure water. After a two-week period, the height is measured.
The plant that is given pure water.
Variable that is kept under normal conditions as a basis for comparison
Control
When conducting an experiment, researchers want to determine if the ______________ causes changes in the _______________.