Scientific+Method+Notes

The Scientific Method is a process we use to formulate and investigate questions in an unbiased way. The steps we take are:

__**Make Observations**__ Noticing carefully the world around us using your sense (look, listen, feel and maybe taste).

__**Pose a Question to be studied**__ We call this the __problem statement__. This question needs to identify the __manipulated variable__ (the change we will be making) and the __responding variable (__the measured response we will be looking for). It is important that this question be phrase so it CANNOT be answered by a yes or no reponse. We use examples like (What is the effect or ...? or How does ... affect ...?)

__**Make a Prediction**__ We call this the __Hypothesis__. In a good hypothesis students are asked to include both a __prediction__ for the problem statement but also a __reason__ for how/why they reached their prediction. In class we use an **(If...then...because...)** format. (For example, **If** the temperature is increased, **then** the density of the substance will be decreased, **because** molecules move faster with higher temperatures thus needing more volume.) It is not important that a hypothesis is correct or not. It is simply a way for thinking about the results before doing the investigation.

__**Investigate the Question**__ __Materials List__ - What materials are needed to do this experiment/investiagation. __Procedures__ - These are the instructions for how to do the investigation. Three key things must be included in a good set of procedures. 1. Procedures should be written in a numbered list form with **steps** that are **clear and detailed** enough for someone else to be able to repeat your investigation and get similar results. 2. Procedures should remind the experimenter **record their measurements** (numbers, descriptions, and/or pictures). 3. Procedures should include instructions to do **repeated trials** (at least 3 trials) and take an average for more reliable results. __Data Table__ - The results of an investigation should be recorded in a organized fashion (Data Table). __Calculations__ - Any mathematical calculations used in the investigation need to be shown clearly. __Graphs or Charts__ - Some experiments will need to have the data displayed in a graph or chart form to be more easily analyzed.

A conclusion is the answer of the investigation. A good conclusion includes the following: 1. **Answers** the problem statement (investigative question). 2. Supports the answer with **specific data (average high and low points)** so highlight the results. 3. **Explains** how the data supports the answer to the question be giving a **comparision** between the high and lower average dat points.
 * __Make a Conclusion__**