Download Scientific Method

Scientific Method
I. Definition: The scientific method is an
organized approach scientists use to solve a
problem. It consists of a series of steps
used as a guideline to help understand the
world around us (science).
II. Performing the Scientific Method
A. State a problem or a question
Example: How are igneous rocks formed?
II. Performing the Scientific Method
B. Form hypothesis
1. Once you know the problem, create a hypothesis. A
hypothesis is a possible solution to the problem.
2. Must be written in the form of a statement. Example:
Correct- igneous rocks are formed by the cooling of magma or
lava.
Incorrect- maybe igneous rocks are formed by the cooling of
magma or lava.
II. Performing the Scientific Method
C. Test the hypothesis- once the hypothesis has been proposed, it
must be tested. This is performed by gathering information
through observations and experimentation.
1. Observations – facts gathered by using any of your
senses (sight, smell, hearing, tasting, touching)
2. Experimentation
a. Control variables- variables that are kept the same during the experiment.
b. Independent variable- variable that is purposely changed during the
experiment.
c. Dependent variable- variable that changes due to the value of the independent
variable.
II. Performing the Scientific Method
C. Test the hypothesis (cont.)
3. Gathering information
a. Accuracy- how close your measurements are to being correct.
b. Precision- how close the measurements are to each other (you
can be very precise and not accurate at the same time.
c. Quantitative analysis- analysis based on measurements.
Example: there are 35% quartz, 50% feldspar and 15% hornblende in the
granitic rock
d. Qualitative analysis- analysis not based on numbers or measurements
Example: the granitic rock comprises quartz, feldspar and hornblende
minerals
II. Performing the Scientific Method
D. Analyze the data- once experiments or observations are
made, an explanation needs to be applied.
1. Inference– an assumption based on the results of
experiments or observations.
II. Performing the Scientific Method
E. Conclusions- the hypothesis must be supported or denied
based on the data collected during experimentation.
1. When writing the conclusion, the hypothesis must be
stated.
2. State the data that supports or denies the hypothesis. If
denied, a new hypothesis must be created.
III. Measurements
A. A quantity depicting the amount of something in an object.
B. Variable- can change within the same substance.
C. Always recorded with units (e.g. 25.5g or 9.8mL)
IV. Properties
A. Attribute (or characteristic) of an object that can help
identify it.
B. Constant- does not change within the same substance.
C. Usually shows the relationship between two or more
measurements.
density
speed
Example: Density of Objects
• mass
• the amount of matter in an object
• (measurement)
• volume
• the amount of space an object occupies
• (measurement)
• density
• the amount of matter in an object per the amount of
space it takes up
• (property)
Triple Beam Balance
What is this measurement?