Scientific Method
Scientific Investigations should be completed by:
- Using appropriate tools safely and accurately
- Making careful measurements
- Using mathematical equations appropriately
- Recording data in organized graphs, charts, and tables
1. Observations
- Qualitative: description using properties (5 senses-touch, taste, feel, see, hear)
- Quantitative: description using numbers ( There are THREE students)
- Inference: an explanation of the data that is based on facts, but not necessarily direct observations.
2. Hypothesis
- A predicted answer to the question based on research and prior knowledge.
- Written as an "If, Then" statement (IF I increase the height of the ramp, THEN the car will travel faster.)
3. Experiment
- Complete tests that will provide data for you to analyze.
- Record observations and collect data using charts, tables, and graphs
- The experiment and materials should be written in a clear way that anyone can recreate your experiment.
- Variables:
Dependent- Results of what you change-"Depends on what I change"
Control- Everything in the experiment should remain the same except for the variable you change for the experiment.
4. Results
- Analyze data collected during experiment
- Data should reflect the hypothesis of your study, therefore it should either support or refute your hypothesis
- If supported: can the experiment be recreated with similar results?
- If not supported: how can the hypothesis and experiment be modified to get better results?
5. Conclusion
- Communicates results of experiment
- Includes a discussion of data collected, results, relationship to hypothesis, and any changes that would be made to the experiment.