The Scientific Process

1
The Scientific Process

• A Logical, Step-by-Step Process to Solving
  Problems

2
Choosing a Problem

• Find something that interests you (may be given)
• Limit the topic (not too broad or narrow)
• Write a question you want answered that can be
  tested with your available resources

3
Research the Problem (Literature Review)

• Learn all you can about your topic
• Used to understand what has already been studied
  about your problem
• Background information to help create a hypothesis

4
Write your HYPOTHESIS

• A testable statement that answers the problem
• Must include an explanation/reason for your
  prediction
• If________________, then_____________.

5
Write your EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

• This Includes MATERIALS
• List of all items to use for experiment
• Bullet items on list, DO NOT number
• No CAPITAL letters unless its a name brand
• This includes PROCEDURES
• Numbered statements that are complete sentences
  telling how to do the experiment
• No how-to words
• Very detailed and specific

6
Data Collection

• When following your procedures, date all recorded
  observations in a data log (bookbound item so
  paper is not lost)
• Include both qualitative and quantitative
• Explain the dependent variable. This is the thing
  that changed because of your experiment.
• Use sketches/diagrams of observations

7
Graphs

• Use your collected data to create 1 or more
  graphs
• Line graphs for changes over time
• Bar graphs for comparing
• Circle graphs for part of a whole
• Be sure to include explanatory title, axis
  scales, axis labels w/ appropriate units in
  parentheses, and key

8
Data Analysis (Results)

• Summarize the data collected and interpret the
  data
• - Comparisons made between variables tested
  differences and percent changes
• Facts only
• Include references to charts, tables, and graphs

9
Conclusions

• The So What
• Has 3 parts
• Claim
• Evidence
• Reasoning

10
Conclusions The Claim

• A statement about the solution to your question
  and hypothesis
• Must be accurate and complete
• Should be based on collected data, but the data
  should NOT be mentioned in the statement.

11
Conclusions The Evidence

• Identify the specific scientific evidence that
  supports the claim.
• Must be sufficient (lots of supporting data)
• Includes numerical data.
• All data has appropriate labels/units.

12
Conclusions Reasoning

• Justifies claim and evidenceshowing why data
  counts as evidence through the use of appropriate
  and sufficient scientific principles.
• Provides scientific link between evidence and
  claim.
• Includes appropriate scientific concepts.
• Does not repeat data from evidence.