Scientific Method Review

Identification and Analysis

●a problem solving process●science centric but used in everyday thinking all the time

●not linear - there is no sequence of steps that the method has to always follow

●but you do always start with a question to solve or answer

Scientific Method

●we have talked/practiced making and recording observations

●NOW - let’s try to use these observations to go through the scientific method

●our model examples will follow the “classic” sequence of steps

Today’s Activity

●experiments are controlled - all factors are kept the same throughout the procedure EXCEPT for the independent variable

●independent variable - part of the experiment that is purposely changed

Independent (manipulated) Variable

- Talk to your buddy….

What was the one thing that we purposely changed in our experiment, the one thing we thought would AFFECT the data?

Example - Paper Airplane LAB

●different arm movements●more specifically -

○wrist○wrist and elbow○wrist, elbow, and shoulder

** Remember, our control trials had NO ARM MOVEMENT (control is without the variable being tested).

Answer

●the result of the independent variable

●the dependent variable DEPENDS on the independent variable

●D for dependent = D for DATA

Dependent (responding) Variable

- Talk to your buddy…

What was the dependent variable in our Paper Airplane LAB?

Example - Paper Airplane LAB

The distance the plane travelled (cm).

●data collected●affected by different arm movements (independent variable)

Answer

●always the first step ●written in question format (usually)

●always addresses the independent and dependent variable

Identification or Define the Problem

Problem:

Which arm movement 1)wrist, 2)wrist and elbow or 3)wrist, elbow, and shoulder will make the paper airplane travel the farthest?

Example - Paper Airplane LAB

●an educated prediction of what you think will happen

●If.(independent)..then.. (dependent).. because…(prior knowledge/observations).....

Hypothesis (plural hypotheses)

Think back to your prediction from lab yesterday and write out a hypothesis on your note sheet.Remember:If.(Independent)..then.. (dependent).. because…(prior knowledge/observations).....

Example - Paper Airplane LAB

●always keep in mind how to keep your experiment controlled

●Most common problem with controls - HUMAN ERROR

●record data correctly, completely, and always check for labels when needed

Run the Experiment and Record Data

●reflect on your data●look for patterns/relationships

●analyze for outliers

●choose the best type of graph for your data set (line, bar, pie chart, etc)

Organizing Data - Graphing

How To Graph

Dependent variable (data)

Independent variable

Example - Paper Airplane LAB

Distance Plane Travelled(cm)

Arm Movements

●easier to analyze data and reflect on findings with a graph versus a data table

●not only data in graph but you also WRITE a paragraph that explains verbally what you see visually from the data

●questions are also included to be answered in this section

Analysis

●was your prediction correct?●could there have been errors in the experiment?

●Summarize the entire process●Closing statement is an echo of the problem/question

Conclusion

In the near future, you buy the new iphone 6s! You love your new phone but start to notice some inconsistency in your reception while you are in your house. One night while talking to your friend, the reception gets choppy. As soon as your reception is restored, you hear the microwave beep in the kitchen.

Talk out the situation with your buddy. BEFORE we formulate the problem, identify the independent and dependent variable.

Look back at your note sheet for help with this, if needed.

Independent variable - the microwave radiation (whether the microwave is on or off

Dependent variable - the number of circles (bars) of reception on your cell phone

●write out your problem

●remember to use the IV and DV in your question

Identify the Problem

Does the microwave radiation decrease the amount of reception on the iphone 6s?

Problem

If.(Independent)..then.. (dependent).. because…(prior knowledge/observations).....

Develop Your Hypothesis

If the microwave is on then the iphone 6s reception will decrease because the reception seems to be affected by the microwave radiation.

Hypothesis

Talk it out with your buddy…

HOW could you test this problem?

Design an Experiment

How to Graph Data

Graph Your Data

iphone 6s reception (# of circles)

Microwave radiation

analyze and draw conclusions from what was collected in your data section

NOTE - the more trials you run, the more accurate your data will be

Analysis and Conclusion