Learn the Steps of the Scientific Method Explain the difference between dependent

and independent variables Define an control group Explain what a valid experiment is and how to

make a valid experiment more accurate

It is the steps someone takes to identify a question, develop a hypothesis, design and carry out steps or procedures to test the hypothesis, and document observations and findings to share with someone else.

In other words, it’s a way to solve a problem.

Use conclusions to develop a new hypothesis

Problem/QuestionObservation/Research

Formulate a HypothesisExperiment

Collect and Analyze ResultsConclusion

Repeat***

1.1. Problem/QuestionProblem/Question: Develop a question or

problem that can be solved through experimentation.

Ex. Does soil temperature affect plant growth?

2. Observation/ResearchObservation/Research: Make observations and research your

topic of interest.Use references to do background research

Books JournalsMagazines InternetTVVideos Interview Experts

Become Educated on your topic

3. Formulate a HypothesisFormulate a Hypothesis: (Educated Guess) Predict a

possible answer to the problem or question. Using

an IF, THEN statementExample: IF soil temperatures rise, THEN plant growth will

increase.

4.4. ExperimentExperiment: - Develop and follow a procedure.- Include a detailed materials list.

- The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).

- EX. The height of the plants in cm

5. Collect and Analyze Collect and Analyze ResultsResults: Make Charts/Graphs.

Compare and look for trends and patterns using graphs

“A picture is worth a thousand words”

6. ConclusionConclusion: Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis and why. Refer to your data in

your explanation.

7. Repeat ExperimentRepeat ExperimentYou must repeat the You must repeat the experiment to make it experiment to make it

valid.valid.

**** If your results DO NOT fit your Hypothesis DO NOT CHANGE YOUR DATA. Change your hypothesis and retry your experiment.

Problem/QuestionProblem/QuestionObservation/ResearchObservation/ResearchFormulate a HypothesisFormulate a HypothesisExperimentExperimentCollect and Analyze ResultsCollect and Analyze ResultsConclusionConclusionCommunicate the ResultsCommunicate the Results

The independent variable is the variable that the scientist changes or manipulates

The independent, or manipulated variable, is the variable that can be controlled by the experimenter.

It usually includes time (dates, minutes, hours), depth (feet, meters), temperature (Celsius).

This variable is ALWAYS graphed on the X axis

Examples:The temperature of the soil

The dependent, or responding variable, is the variable that is directly affected by the independent variable. It is the result of what happens because of the independent variable.

Is the thing measured in the experimentChanges because of the independent variable“Depends” on the independent variableThis variable is ALWAYS graphed on the Y

axis.Example:

The amount the plant height changes with different soil temperatures

The plant height is dependent on the soil temperature

^^^^^

When graphing your data from an experiment always place the independent variable on the X axis (horizontal) and the dependent on the Y axis (vertical) .

All the factors in the experiments that are kept the same

Everything except the independent variable

Keeps the experiment ‘fair’

The amount of sun each plant gets

Type of soil Type of plant Amount of water All plants are the

same age

In a scientific experiment, the control is the group that serves as the standard of comparison.

The control group is exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group, except for the variable being tested.

All experiments must have a control group.

In order for a scientific experiment to be valid it can only have 1 variable.

This variable is the part that is being tested. All other parts of the experiment must remain

the same or constantAny experiment that has more than 1 variable

cannot prove anything and therefore is invalid

To make an experiment more valid:Increase the number of test subjectsRepeat the experiment and get the same

resultsHave other people complete your experiment

and get the same results (peer review)*****