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Scientific Method. Reese. The Scientific Process. Scientific process is an organized set of steps used to investigate a problem. . SCIENTIFIC METHOD. Create a testable question Research Develop a hypothesis Design an experiment Test hypothesis by executing experiment
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Scientific Method Reese
The Scientific Process • Scientific process is an organized set of steps used to investigate a problem.
SCIENTIFIC METHOD • Create a testable question • Research • Develop a hypothesis • Design an experiment • Test hypothesis by executing experiment • Gather data and organize it in a chart and graph • Create a conclusion
Choose a Problem The problem must be stated as a question and it must be testable and you must be able to gather measurable data. EX: How does the shape of a parachute affect its descending speed?
Research the Problem • It is always useful to try to learn as much background information about the problem. Read (books, encyclopedia, or internet), get advice (interview a professional).
Develop a hypothesis Make a prediction about what will happen. A hypothesis is a statement, not a question AND it must be testable! IF (I do this)…THEN (this will happen)
Design an Experiment • Plan how you will test your hypothesis through an experiment. • An experiment includes materials and a procedure. The procedure is a series of steps that needs to be followed in the correct numerical order.
Experiment • Constants- These are all the things that you will keep the same in your experiment. • Control-the part of experiment you compare your results to (do not apply independent variable). • Independent- This is the variable you will changein your experiment. • Dependent- This is the variable that changes or is affected as a result of the changes in the manipulated variable.
Example • "What is the effect of tapping the top of a can of shaken soda on the spraying of the soda when it is opened?" • In our example the INDEPENDENT is tapping of the soda can. • The DEPENDENT is the spraying of the soda. • CONSTANTS: same brand of soda • CONTROL: No tapping-original can
DATA Collection • It is vital to an investigation that the scientist records any observations and data. • These observations and data must be organized in a logical manner such as in tables and graphs.
CONCLUSION Scientists draw conclusions by examining the data from the experiment. The conclusion is a brief summary that ties everything together. Include whenever possible the following: • Does your data support your hypothesis? Why or Why not? • A brief summary of the experiment and the results. • A discussion of lab errors, if any… • What you might change next time in this lab
REPEAT • It is very important that your experiment is reproducible and that you attain the same results every time you perform it. 5 trials for science fair!