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Guide to Scientific Method: Hypothesis, Theory, and Experimental Variables

Learn about the steps of the scientific method, from forming hypotheses to analyzing data. Understand the differences between control and experimental groups, independent and dependent variables, and the importance of replication in experiments. Discover how to communicate results and the characteristics of living things.

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Guide to Scientific Method: Hypothesis, Theory, and Experimental Variables

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  1. The Scientific Method or Process Steps to a Logical Process

  2. Hypothesis: Educated guess Predict Outcome If I do….then I expect…… supported or not supported Theory: Established idea Factual Based on Experiments and Much Data 1. Hypothesis versus Theory

  3. Control: Used for comparison “Normal” condition without any change Experimental onevariable that is changed one condition different from control Control versus Experimental Groups

  4. Independent Variable: One condition that is changed from the control group Example: control: normal plant growth conditions independent variable:growth with fertilizer Dependent Variable: the condition measured as a result of adding the independent variable Example: Measure growth in height as a result of fertilizer Experimental Variables:

  5. Data: Factual Measurable Can Replicate Opinion: Personal Inferences versus observations? Data versus Opinion…...

  6. Replicates of Experiment • Replication is necessary for comparing results & verifying test conditions • Minimum of 10 replications

  7. Scientific Data Must Be….. • Measurable • Quantitative Data • NOT opinion or judgment

  8. Steps of the Scientific Method or Process

  9. Identify the problem and write it as a question • What • How • Not “Why”

  10. Background research…... • Libraries • Internet • Experiments • Researchers • Interviews

  11. State your Hypothesis • Educated guess which predicts an outcome • IF I do………THEN I expect………….

  12. Design an Experiment 1. Control 2. Experimental Group 3. Change one variable 4. Replicate the experiment

  13. Collect Data • Measurable or Quantitative Data

  14. Analyze Data • You should see consistency in the replications • How does it compare to the control? • What trends do you see in the Graph?

  15. CONCLUSION: • Summarize your findings • Was the hypothesis supported? • How could this experiment be improved? • How could you expand this experiment even further?

  16. When Completed Communicate Results • Lab Report • Science Fair • Publish in journal • Present at Conference

  17. Characteristics of Living Things: • Structure & organization: cells, DNA, tissues & organs • Reproduction • Growth & development • Respond to their environment • Metabolism: sum of all chemical reactions • Maintain homeostasis by using energy • Adapt and evolve

  18. The End

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