AIM

• The aim of an experiment is the objective. In other words, An aim

identifies the purpose of the investigation.

• It is a straightforward expression of what the researcher is

trying to find out from conducting an investigation.
 Research Question

• A testable question is one that can be answered by designing and

conducting an experiment.
• Careful observations lead to questions that arise.

• A research question is a question that compares

variables.

• Example: Does the drop height affect the bounce height of a

superball?
Four students are having a discussion about what to do for the
upcoming science fair. These were the questions they proposed:
Julian: Is it more exciting to drive a motorcycle blindfolded or go
skydiving?
Melissa: Is Einstein the greatest scientist ever?
Jason: How do different types of activity affect human heart rate?
Antonella: Why is the sky blue?

Which student is posing a testable question? Explain your choice and why you
think the other three questions are not testable.
 Do background
research
● Once you have your question, research it using the internet or
a textbook. It may generate more questions or give you a
possible answer.
● To find out the answer to your question, you need to know
what potential answers are. That’s where background research
comes in.
● Remember that not everything you read online is true.
● Use reliable sources, like Google Scholar…and
untamedscience.com!
 Variables & Controls

● A variable is anything that changes in a scientific

experiment.

● The control is what you use to compare the results to in

the end of the experiment.
 There are 2 types of variables:
● Independent (also known as manipulated)
● Dependent (also known as responding)
 Independent Variable

Independent Variable: The variable that is intentionally

changed in the experiment, such as the temperature of the
water in which an effervescent tablet is dissolved.

● Cause
● a.k.a Manipulated Variable
● Graphed on x axis
 Dependent Variable
Dependent Variable: the variable
that responds to the changes in the
independent variable. For example,
the time it takes for effervescent
tablets to dissolve in three different
temperatures of water is the
dependent variable. 2 min 20 sec 1 min

● Effect
● a.k.a Responding Variable
● Graphed on y axis
Independent Variable vs. Dependent
Variable

Independent Dependent
Variable Variable
Also Known Manipulated Responding
As: Variable Variable

Results: Cause Effect

On a graph: X axis Y axis

 Controlled variables

Controlled variables (AKA constants) are the things that

are kept the same each time one of the trials in the
experiment is repeated.

For example, constants could include the amount of water

used, the brand of effervescent tablet used, the type of
water used, and the fact that the water was not stirred. As
many outside factors as possible should be kept constant
in an experiment so that the researcher can be sure that
any changes that occur do so because of the independent
variable.
 Control Group
The standard against which the researcher
compares the results from each treatment
group in the experiment.

For example, the control might be the room

temperature water, which is about 20° C.
In many cases, there will not be a true
control. The researcher could then set one of
the groups as the standard and measure the
other groups against that standard.
 Using variables to write a
hypothesis
If ….. (Independent Variable)…. Then…(dependent Variable)….
because (states why you think the dependent variable will happen)

Ex: If a tablet is added to hot water, then it will dissolve

faster than it would in cold water because the solubility
of a substance increases with its temperature.
Independent variable

Dependent variable

Scientific reasoning
 Hypothesis

• Hypothesis- a testable explanation of an

observation.

• A hypothesis is NOT just an educated

guess about what you think will happen.
It must be based on research AND be able
to be tested!
 Elements of a Hypothesis
A hypothesis should:

• Define the proposed relationship between the variables.

• Worded so it can be tested
• Make a clear prediction
• Be specific
 Conducting Experiment

• An experiment is a planned way to test a hypothesis and find

out the answer to the problem statement.
• An experiment is a way to collect data and determine the
value of the dependent variable.
• An experiment compares the independent variable to the
dependent variable.
• An experiment can only test one dependent variable at a time.
 Collect, Organize & Analyze
Data
• Data is collected from experiments
• Data is defined as: recorded observations or measurements
(qualitative = description, quantitative = number data)
• Data is based on observations
• Utilize tools or senses: sight, smell, temperature change etc.
• Data is organized in tables, charts and graphs so that it can
be more easily analyzed
 Why Do We Use Graphs?

• Graphs help us visualize numerical data.

• There are several different types of graphs:
o Bar graphs
o Pie graphs
o Line graphs
 Types of Graphs?
Types of Graphs

Bar Graph Line Graph

 Types of Relationships between
variables
Direct: as x increases y increases

Inverse: as x increases y decreases

Constant: as x increases y remains

the same
 Conclusion
• The final step in the scientific method is the conclusion. This is a summary of the
experiment's results, and how those results match up to your hypothesis.
• You have two options for your conclusions: based on your results, either:
YOU CAN REJECT the hypothesis, or
YOU CAN NOT REJECT the hypothesis.
This is an important point!
• You can not PROVE the hypothesis with a single experiment, because there is a
chance that you made an error somewhere along the way.
• What you can say is that your results SUPPORT the original hypothesis.
• If your original hypothesis didn't match up with the final results of your
experiment, don't change the hypothesis.
• Instead, try to explain what might have been wrong with your original
hypothesis. What information were you missing when you made your
prediction? What are the possible reasons the hypothesis and experimental
results didn't match up?