The Scientific Method NOTES 1-2

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The Scientific MethodNOTES 1-2
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The Scientific Method

• An organized way to solve a problem through
  experimentation observation.

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• Scientific inquiry begins with making
  observations.
• Observations using your senses to record the
  world around you.

Then Ask a Question. Questions usually arise on
their own after making observations.
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EXAMPLE

• Form a question about a specific observation,
  event or reaction

observation Mouthwash kills bacteria.
Problem (question) Which brand works best?
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Form a hypothesis

• A hypothesis is a testable explanation of a
  situation.

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Design an Experiment

• Devise a way to test your hypothesis.

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• A controlled experiment MUST have 2 groups.

CONTROL GROUP all conditions remain the same
EXPERIMENTAL GROUP only the condition that you
are testing for is changed
ONLY 1 condition is changed!
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• Establish the variables for your experiment.

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE the variable that is
changed, manipulated by the experimenter.
Think, What did I change?
DEPENDENT VARIABLE the change caused by the
manipulation of the independent variable

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Mouthwash Experiment
Control Group -no mouthwash
Petri dish
Bacteria grown from swab
Listerine
Experimental Group
Scope
Wal-Mart brand
What are the independent and dependent variables?
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• Mouthwash Experiment

INDEPENDENT VARIABLE
Type of Mouthwash
DEPENDENT VARIABLE
Amount of bacteria killed