scientific method - 6th grade science -...
TRANSCRIPT
Scientific
Method involves a series of
steps that are used
to investigate a
natural occurrence.
Scientific Method
1.Problem/Question
2. Observation/Research
3. Formulate a Hypothesis
4. Experiment
5. Collect and Analyze Results
6. Conclusion
7. Communicate the Results
Steps of the
Scientific Method
1. Problem/Question Develop a question
or problem that can
be solved through
experimentation.
Steps of the
Scientific Method
2. Observation/Research: Make observations
and research your
topic of interest.
Do you remember the
next step?
Steps of the
Scientific Method
3. Formulate
a
Hypothesis
Predict a possible
answer to the
problem or question.
***Write this
Example: If soil
temperatures rise,
then plant growth will
increase.
Steps of the
Scientific Method
is an educated guess. It is a
prediction or a possible
answer to the problem or
question. It can be in the form
of an “if” “then” statement or
just a declarative statement.
EX: IF I add M&M’s to Vinegar,
THEN the color will come off
faster than it does in just
water.
Hypothesis
Scientific Method • Hypothesis testable explanation of
an observation.
A hypothesis is NOT
just an educated
guess about what you
think will happen. It
must be able to be
tested!
Step 3: Form a Hypothesis
goes after the “If”
I.V.
If the amount of fertilizer is
increased,
then the height of the plant will
increase.
Independent
Variable
Step 3: Form a Hypothesis
goes after the “Then”
If the amount of fertilizer is
increased,
then the height of the plant
will increase.
D.V.
Dependent
Variable
Steps of the
Scientific Method 4. Experiment
Develop and follow a
procedure.
Include a detailed materials
list.
The outcome must be
measurable (quantifiable)
Steps of the
Scientific Method 5. Collect
and
Analyze
Results:
Change the procedure
if needed. Confirm the
results by retesting.
Include tables, graphs,
and photographs.
Steps of the
Scientific Method 6. Conclusion: Include a statement that
accepts (hypothesis is right) or rejects (hypothesis is wrong)
the hypothesis. Write ideas on how you could study this subject more and
what you might do to improve the procedure.
Steps of the
Scientific Method 7.
Communicate
the Results:
Be prepared to
present the project to
an audience.
Expect questions from
the audience.
Think you can name all
seven steps?
Problem/Question Observation/Research Formulate a Hypothesis Experiment Collect and Analyze Results Conclusion Communicate the Results
Do you know the difference
between the independent
and dependent variables?
3 Types of variables:
• Independent
Variable:
• Dependent
Variable:
Cause
- what you change (only one thing at a time)
- a.k.a Manipulated Variable
- Graphed on X axis
- nicknamed the I- do variable
Effect
-what changes because of the
Independent Variable
-It’s what you see happening that
depends on the independent variable
-a.k.a. Responding Variable
-Graphed on Y axis
3 Types of variables:
• Constant
Variable:
The constants in an
experiment are all the
things that the
experimenter attempts to
keep the same.
Independent Variable vs.
Dependent Variable
Independent
Variable
Dependent
Variable
Also Known
As:
Manipulated
Variable
Responding
Variable
Results: Cause Effect
On a graph: X axis Y axis
Now You Try:
• If you spend more time studying, then your
grade will improve.
• Independent Variable =
• Dependent Variable =
Now You Try:
• If you spend more time studying, then your
grade will improve.
• Independent Variable = amount of time
spent studying
• Dependent Variable = grade
Now You Try:
• If the temperature of the room is increased,
then the bacteria will grow faster.
• Independent Variable =
• Dependent Variable =
Now You Try:
• If the temperature of the room is increased,
then the bacteria will grow faster.
• Independent Variable = temperature of room
• Dependent Variable = bacterial growth
Control
Group
In a scientific experiment, the
control is the group that is
used for comparison.
The control group may be a
“no treatment" –
independent variable is
omitted (or left out) for this
group.
Scientific Method
Control
Group
The control group is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group, except for they are not
given the variable being tested.
All experiments should have a control group.
Scientific Method
Step 6: Organize your data
• DRY MIX
– Dependent Variable = Responding Variable = Y axis
– Manipulated Variable = Independent Variable = X axis
Parts of a graph
Y Axis (Dependent
Variable)
X Axis
(Independent
Variable)
Graphing: DRY MIX
Independent Variable
De
pe
nd
en
t V
ari
ab
le