The Goal of this The Goal of this Presentation is to Presentation is to Provide a Tool to Provide a Tool to

Explain the Explain the Scientific Method Scientific Method

Scientific MethodScientific Method

1. 1. Statement of Purpose or QuestionStatement of Purpose or Question::

[What do you want to know?][What do you want to know?]

2. Hypothesis:

[What do you predict, in the form of an If…, then

statement]

Scientific MethodScientific Method (cont.)(cont.)

3. 3. VariablesVariables::

A. Independent VariableA. Independent Variable [Factor being manipulated]

B. Dependent VariableB. Dependent Variable[Factor Which Responds - the one you measure]

C. Constants or ControlsC. Constants or Controls [Factors that are held constant]

Scientific MethodScientific Method (cont.)(cont.)

4. 4. Standards of ComparisonStandards of Comparison:: [Experimental Control][Experimental Control]

5. 5. Materials and ProcedureMaterials and Procedure::A. Materials:A. Materials:

[List everything used to complete the [List everything used to complete the experiment]experiment]

B. ProceduresB. Procedures [Step by step Directions - number each step

like a recipe]

Scientific MethodScientific Method (cont.)(cont.)

6. 6. Qualitative Observations & ResultsQualitative Observations & Results::[List things that could have been done incorrectly, and [List things that could have been done incorrectly, and

write write them down during the experimentation.]them down during the experimentation.]

7.7. Quantitative ResultsQuantitative Results::

A. Raw DataA. Raw Data[Record in a table][Record in a table]

B. ResultsB. Results[Display data using graphs. Averages or [Display data using graphs. Averages or

Line of Best-Fit]Line of Best-Fit]

Scientific MethodScientific Method (cont.)(cont.)8. 8. Analysis & Interpretation of ResultsAnalysis & Interpretation of Results::

[Describe in words the results][Describe in words the results]

10.10. ConclusionConclusion::[Include why your results did, or did not, support the [Include why your results did, or did not, support the

Hypothesis]Hypothesis]

9. 9. Possible Experimental ErrorsPossible Experimental Errors::[Give an explanation for each f[Give an explanation for each factor noted in step 6 that actor noted in step 6 that

could could have had an affect on the experimenthave had an affect on the experiment]]

11. Recommendations for further Recommendations for further experimentation based on your data & experimentation based on your data & practical applicationspractical applications::

Teaching ExamplesTeaching Examples

Of the Scientific MethodOf the Scientific Method

The Paper Towel with The Paper Towel with Great Holding PowerGreat Holding Power

1. 1. Statement of Purpose or QuestionStatement of Purpose or Question:: Which paper towel will hold the most water?Which paper towel will hold the most water?

2. 2. HypothesisHypothesis::When Brawny, Scott and a store brand are tested for When Brawny, Scott and a store brand are tested for absorbency, then … will be proven to hold the most absorbency, then … will be proven to hold the most

water.water.

3. Variables:

Brand of paper towel

B. Dependent Variable

Brand of paper towel

C. Constants or Controls

Amounts of water added to paper towelSize of the paper towelProcess of determining amount of water left Time water is on paper towelTest all three brands around the same time and on the same day

A. Independent Variable

4. Standards of Comparison:

5. Materials and Procedure :

Color and size of each brand of paper towel

A. Materials

roll of Brawny, Scott & store brand waterGraduated cylinder scissorscalculator panextra paper towels ruler

B. Procedures:1. Get all materials.2. Review my directions for experiment.3. Cut paper towels into 4 cm x 4 cm squares.4. Lay one square of Bounty paper towel in the e pan.5. Measure out 10 ml of water and add to paper towel in

pan.6. Let it set for one for one minute.7. Pick up paper towel with forceps and let the extra

water drip out of paper towel until the drops are at least five seconds apart.

8. Pour water in cake pan back into the graduated cylinder and calculate the amount of water the square of paper to held.

9. Repeat steps 5-9 for each paper towel for total of fifty times.

6. 6. Qualitative ObservationsQualitative Observations::

7. 7. Quantitative ResultsQuantitative Results::

A. Raw DataA. Raw Data

Some water was lost when it was returned to the graduated cylinder.

Water temperature was hard regulate.

During some test the air conditioner was on.

Table Brawny Scott Store

1

2

3

4

5

Class Avg.

Paper Towel Brand

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0Brawny Scott Store

Ave

rag

e A

mo

un

t o

f W

ater

Hel

d i

n m

L

Paper Towel with Greatest Holding Power

B. Results

8. 8. Analysis & Interpretation of ResultsAnalysis & Interpretation of Results::[[In words describe what was discovered.]In words describe what was discovered.]

9.9. Possible Experimental ErrorsPossible Experimental Errors::[[Review step 6 and write statements of Review step 6 and write statements of

what you observed.]what you observed.]

10.10.ConclusionConclusion::[State whether your hypothesis was correct and Include [State whether your hypothesis was correct and Include why your results did, or did not, support the Hypothesis]why your results did, or did not, support the Hypothesis]

11. Recommendations for further experimentationRecommendations for further experimentation based on your data & practical applicationsbased on your data & practical applications::

ChallengeChallenge In groups of 3-4 students design an In groups of 3-4 students design an

experiment with one of the following experiment with one of the following questions.questions.

Which size funnel will sand pour through the Which size funnel will sand pour through the fastest?fastest?

Will the temperature of ice water change if you add Will the temperature of ice water change if you add salt, or sugar?salt, or sugar?

Will the angle of a ramp have an affect on how far a Will the angle of a ramp have an affect on how far a marble will roll?marble will roll?