The document outlines the key steps of the scientific method, which include making an observation, forming a hypothesis, performing an experiment to test the hypothesis, collecting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating results. It provides examples and details for each step, emphasizing the importance of developing testable questions, writing clear procedures, recording measurements, analyzing data through graphs and tables, and determining whether the hypothesis was supported or needs revision based on experimental findings.
2. Scientific Methods
• The only way accepted to back up a theory or
idea.
• The method in which all research project should
be based.
• The method used by researchers to support or
disprove a theory.
• Involves series of steps that are used to
investigate natural occurrences.
3. Scientific Method
Data
contradict
the
hypothesis
Adjust
hypothesis or
theory
Make an Form an Collect Data
observation hypothesis Perform the
relevant data supports
that explains experiment the The
by repeated
observations trials hypothesis hypothesis
is now a
theory
4. Step 1: OBSERVATION
You observed something using your senses.
What do you see that makes you a ask a
question or state a problem.
Develop a question or problem that can be
solved through experimentation.
This is also known as “Test Table Questions.”
5. Examples of a Test Table Question
• Does the air velocity increase as the diameter
of the duct increases?
• Does the pressure increases when the fluid
velocity increases?
• Does the lubricant viscosity change at
different temperatures?
• Does the lubricant ignite at a certain
temperature?
6. Step 2: FORM A HYPOTHESIS
A hypothesis is an “educated guess” about the
outcome of your experiment.
You predict what you think the answer to your
question might be.
In order to make this guess, you must rely on
your background knowledge and the research
which you conducted before the experiment.
7. A Well Written Hypothesis
A well written hypothesis consists of an “IF” statement and
a “THEN” statement.
The “IF” statement contains information on what you are
testing, and the “THEN” statement reflects your belief of
the outcome of the experiment.
EXAMPLE:
“IF we increase the diameter of the duct, THEN the air
velocity will decrease.”
8. Step 3: PERFORM EXPERIMENT
You figure out a way to test whether the
hypothesis is correct.
The outcome must be measurable.
Record and analyze data.
9. Writing a Procedure
A procedure is a list of steps that a scientist/researcher takes to complete
the experiment.
This is a very detailed list that is numbered in 1, 2, 3,… order. It is not a
paragraph.
Include a detailed material list.
It may include actual pictures or drawings of equipment set-up.
You know you have written a good procedure when someone can read it
and do the experiment exactly like you did.
Be sure to follow all the general safety procedures while conducting the
experiment.
10. Gathering Materials
In order to perform an experiment, you must make a
list of the equipment you will use.
This list is written above your procedure.
It allows other people to do your experiment without
having to ask you what they need.
11. Example of Well Written Procedure
1. Number each battery so you differentiate each other.
2. Measure each battery's voltage by using the voltmeter.
3. Put the same battery into one of the devices and turn it on.
4. Let the device run for thirty minutes before measuring its voltage
again. (Record the voltage in a table every time it is measured.)
5. Repeat #4 until the battery is at 0.9 volts or until the device
stops.
6. Do steps 1–5 again, three trials for each brand of battery in each
experimental group.
7. For the camera flash push the flash button every 30 seconds and
measure the voltage every 5 minutes.
8. For the flashlights rotate each battery brand so each one has a
turn in each flashlight.
9. For the CD player repeat the same song at the same volume
throughout the tests.
12. Step 4: COLLECTING AND ANALYZE
RESULTS
Modify procedure if needed.
Confirm the results by retesting. Include
tables, graphs, and photographs.
13. Recording Data
All measurements in an experiment need to be recorded in a
data table.
The table must have a title (related to what you are
measuring) and appropriate labels for the rows and columns.
All variables used in the experiment must be carefully
defined.
Appropriate units should be included in the data collected.
15. Graphing Your Data Table
In order to understand and interpret your data,
you need to make a graph.
A graph will help you see trends in the data and it
will also assist you to look at the data in an easy
way to understand.
Remember to include labels in your graph.
17. Step 5: DRAWING CONCLUSIONS
The final piece of scientific method is drawing conclusions.
In this step we analyze our data and graphs and decide if our hypothesis
was correct or incorrect. We always restate our hypothesis in our
conclusion.
We discuss any trends we see and we attempt to explain why our
hypothesis was correct or incorrect.
You state whether your predictions was confirmed or not and try to
explain your results.
This is always in paragraph form.
Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to
the procedure.
18. Step 6: COMMUNICATE THE RESULTS
To make the experiment complete, we must
share our findings with other people.
Be prepared to present your experiment
paper to an audience.
Expect questions from the audience.
