SCIENTIFIC METHOD

STEPS IN SCIENTIFIC METHOD

1. Ask Question/ Observation
2. Do background research
3. Construct hypothesis
4. Test your hypothesis by doing Experiment
5. Analyze your data and draw your conclusion
6. Report your result
DEPENDENT VARIABLE
 measured or responding in an experiment

 the
change or result that occurs due to the
independent variable

 the “what will happen” in an experiment

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE
 changed in an experiment directly caused by the
experimenter

 manipulated in the experiment

 the “what you do” in the experiment

CONTROL VARIABLES

factors that are kept the same

FAIR TEST

Is making sure that in an experiment, one factor or

condition (the independent variable) affects
another (the dependent variable) by keeping all
other conditions constant or the same.
EXAMPLE 1: FREEZING WATER

Define Purpose:
 I want to know if water freezes faster
on its own or with sugar added to it.
EXAMPLE 1: FREEZING WATER
Construct Hypothesis:
 The null hypothesis is that there will be no
difference in how long it takes the water to
freeze, whether or not it has sugar added to it.
The alternative hypothesis is that there will be
a statistically significant difference in freezing
time between the two scenarios.
EXAMPLE 1: FREEZING WATER
Test Hypothesis and Collect Data: 
Fill two identical containers with the same amount
of room temperature water. Add a measured
amount of sugar to one of the containers. Place
the two containers into the freezer. At regular
intervals of 15 minutes, open the freezer and
observe the status of the water in each container.
Continue until both have completely frozen.
Write down the time it took for each container of
water to reach a fully frozen level.
EXAMPLE 1: FREEZING WATER

Analyze Data: 
Look at the time it took for each container
of water to freeze. Did the water with
sugar added take a significantly longer or
shorter amount of time to freeze?
EXAMPLE 1: FREEZING WATER

Draw Conclusion: 
Based on the results of your experiment,
come to a conclusion as to whether water
with sugar freezes faster, slower, or at the
same rate as water without sugar added.
EXAMPLE 1: FREEZING WATER
Communicate Results:
 Report your findings in the form of a written
report as an oral presentation.
In the case of this experiment, you may choose to
vary the amount of sugar added (during step 3 of
the scientific method above) to see if it alters the
results as well. This could be a more robust
experiment as you would then have additional
data to report.
HYPOTHESIS
 the statement that gives a tentative answer or solution to
the question; a possible explanation that will be proven
or disproven)
ANOTHER EXAMPLE
Growing bean