Scientific Processes

The Scientific Method:
A Hands-on Guide

This presentation explores the fundamental components of the scientific method, guiding you through the process of conducting scientific research.

by Jeanne Mason-Howerton

I will accurately identify independent, dependent, and controlled variables in scientific experiments. I will select appropriate variables and justify my choices.

​

Objectives

Key Components of the Scientific
Method

1

Observation

Carefully observing the world around you to identify a problem or question.

2

Hypothesis

Forming a testable explanation for your observation, predicting a potential outcome.

3

Experimentation

Designing and conducting a controlled experiment to test your hypothesis.

4

Analysis

Collecting and analyzing data from your experiment to draw conclusions.

5

Communication

Sharing your findings with others through presentations or publications.

Forming a Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a testable prediction, a proposed explanation for an observation.

Drag and Drop

In the experiment "Period as Function of Angle", the Angle of Inclination is the ​

Placeholder

. The ​

Placeholder

is the Pendulum Period and seconds (s) are the ​

Placeholder

.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

Independent Variable

Dependent Variable

Units of the Dependent Variable

Data

Unit of the Independent Variable

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is prediction?

• A process of forecasting future events

• A process of analyzing past events

• A process of observing current events

• A process of ignoring future events

Explanation Slide...

The correct choice is 'A process of forecasting future events' because prediction specifically involves anticipating what will happen in the future, unlike the other options which focus on past or current events.

Match

Match the following terms with their definitions:

• The body of knowledge based on the study of the natural world.

• This is both a creative process and a process rooted in unbiased observations and experimentation

• An explanation of a natural phenomenon supported by many observations and experiments over time.

• This describes relationships under certain conditions in nature.

Science

Scientific Inquiry

Theory

Scientific Law

• Science

• Scientific Inquiry

• Theory

• Scientific Law

Explanation Slide...

The term for an idea that can be tested is 'hypothesis'. A hypothesis is a proposed explanation that can be investigated through experimentation or observation.

Dropdown

If we continue to water the plants regularly and provide adequate sunlight, the flowers will bloom within two weeks is a(n) ​

Select answer

I observed that the pendulum swings back and forth in a regular pattern, taking the same amount of time for each swing is a(n) ​

Select answer

Evolution by natural selection proposes that species gradually change over generations through the process of selective adaptation to their environments is a(n) ​

Select answer

Explanation Slide...

The first statement is a prediction about the flowers blooming. The second is an observation of the pendulum's behavior. The third describes a theory of evolution, explaining gradual changes in species over time.

Designing an Experiment

Identify Variables

Variables are factors that can change or be changed in an experiment.

Control Group

A group that does not receive the treatment, serving as a baseline for comparison.

Experimental Group

The group that receives the treatment, being tested for the effect of the independent variable.

Independent Variables

The independent variable is the factor that an experiment changes or manipulates. It's the cause or the treatment.

Dependent Variables

The dependent variable is the factor that is measured or observed in an experiment. It's the effect or the outcome.

Controlled Variables

Controlled variables are factors that are kept constant in an experiment to ensure that the results are due only to the independent variable.

Tips for Identifying
Variables

Ask Questions

What is being changed in the

experiment (IV)? What is being

measured (DV)? What is being kept constant?

Cause and Effect

What is causing the change? What is the result of the change?

List Factors

List all the factors involved in the experiment and categorize them as independent, dependent, or controlled.

or controlled.

Drag and Drop

In the experiment "Period as Function of Angle", the Angle of Inclination is the ​

Placeholder

. The ​

Placeholder

is the Pendulum Period and seconds (s) are the ​

Placeholder

.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

Independent Variable

Dependent Variable

Units of the Dependent Variable

Data

Unit of the Independent Variable

Explanation Slide...

In the experiment, the Angle of Inclination is the Independent Variable, as it is manipulated to observe its effect. The Pendulum Period is the Dependent Variable, measured in seconds, which reflects the outcome of the changes in the angle.

Multiple Choice

When experimenting with the growth of a plant, a scientist uses three (of the same type of) plants, two different fertilizers, equal light, and equal water. What type of variable is the fertilizer?

• Dependent

• Independent

• Control

• Constant

Explanation Slide...

The fertilizer is an independent variable because it is the factor being manipulated to observe its effect on plant growth, while the other conditions remain constant.

Multiple Choice

Name the INDEPENDENT variable from the table below.

• words
• minutes

Multiple Choice

In the table, Bubbles is the ______________.

• independent variable

• dependent variable

Multiple Choice

Carmen conducted an experiment to determine if listening to different types of music would affect a person’s pulse. Her hypothesis was that pulse rate would change with different types of music. Each person listened to seven different selections of music for 30 seconds each. Each person’s pulse was taken before the music and then after each 30-second interval of music. The pulses were taken again after the music selections were completed. Based on her experiment, Carmen concluded that a person’s pulse rate changed when the person listened to different types of music. What is Carmen missing from her experiment?

• a question

• a hypothesis

• a control group

• a description of the experiement

Explanation Slide...

Carmen is missing a control group in her experiment. A control group would allow her to compare the pulse rates of individuals not exposed to music, helping to isolate the effect of music on pulse rate.

Multiple Choice

Liam and Abigail are on a mission to grow the tallest plant! They have three identical plants, two different magical fertilizers, and they ensure each plant gets equal light and water. What type of variable is the magical fertilizer in their experiment?

• Dependent

• Independent

• Control

• Constant

Explanation Slide...

The magical fertilizer is an independent variable because it is the factor that Liam and Abigail are changing to observe its effect on plant growth. The height of the plants (dependent variable) will depend on the type of fertilizer used.

Collecting and
Analyzing Data

Data can be collected through various methods, such as observations, measurements, surveys, and experiments. Analyze the data using graphs, charts, and statistical tests to identify patterns and trends.

Drawing Conclusions

Based on the data analysis, determine whether the hypothesis is supported or rejected. Clearly explain the findings and their implications.

Communicating Your
Results

Share your findings with the scientific community through publications,

presentations, or posters. Disseminating research findings helps to advance scientific knowledge and inspire further investigation.

Graphing

A plant grew from 2 mm (at hour 0) to 4 mm (at hour 8). Plot those two points on the graph.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the label for the independent variable.

• Money Collected

• Raising Money

• Boxes Sold

• None of the above

Multiple Choice

Post Malone has taught his pet rat to run a maze. He thinks that the rat will go faster if he puts its favorite treat at the end. He has the rat run the maze ten times with the favorite treat and ten times with a regular food pellet. He uses a stopwatch to measure how long it takes for the rat to get to the reward. This is an example of what?

• repetition

• replication

• Post's face tattoos

Explanation Slide...

This is an example of repetition because Post Malone is having the rat run the maze multiple times under different conditions (with a favorite treat and a regular pellet) to observe the effects on speed.