Download Scientific Method

Scientific Method
General Steps
Research
Scientific question to be solved. It is
best expressed as an "open-ended"
question, which is a question that is
answered with a statement, not just a
yes or a no. For example, "How does
light affect the reproduction of bread
mold on white bread?"
Research cont.
Do limit your problem.

To find the answer to a question such as
"How does light affect molds?" would
require that you test different life
processes and an extensive variety of
molds.
Do choose a problem that can be
solved experimentally.
Hypothesis
An educated guess about a solution to the
problem
Should include the words “IF” and “THEN”

Ex: IF bread mold does not need light for
reproduction, THEN mold should grow on the
bread left in the dark
Follow with a “BECAUSE” statement

Because the mold uses the bread to obtain energy
rather than light
Hypothesis cont.
Do state facts from past experiences or
observations
Do write down your hypothesis before
beginning the project experimentation
Don't change your hypothesis even if
experimentation does not support it. If
time permits, repeat or redesign the
experiment to confirm your results
Procedure (Experiment)
Process of testing your hypothesis
Variables: The things that have an
effect on the experiment

Three different types of variables
 Manipulated (Independent) variable is the
variable you purposely change
 Responding (Dependent) variable is the
variable that is being observed, which changes
in response to the independent variable
 Controlled variables are the variables that
are not changed
Procedure (Experiment) cont.
Ex: Manipulated variable = light
Responding variable = bread mold
reproduction
Controlled variables = type of
bread, size of slices, time,
temperature
Collect Data
Record observations
Data chart?
Create a Graph (line
or bar)
Conclusion
Analyze your data. Explain if the data
proved or disproved your hypothesis
Answer any questions given by the
teacher
List reasons for possible error. Ex: Left
the slice of bread in the sun one day
longer than the slice in the dark
Repeat the Experiment
If time allows (and the
teacher agrees) repeat
the experiment
Lab Report Template
Title

A brief, concise, yet descriptive title
Problem or Question

What question are you trying to solve
Hypothesis

If, Then, Because
Materials

Make a list of ALL items used in the lab
Lab Report Template cont..
Procedure

Explain what you did in the lab so anyone can
repeat your experiment
Results (Data)

Data tables, charts, graphs, observations,
additional notes
Conclusions



Accept or reject your hypothesis and explain why
using the data
List one thing you have learned
Discuss possible errors that could have occurred in
data collection