Scientific Investigations
Scientific method is just scientific investigation or experimenting. When scientists want to prove an idea they follow a procedure called the scientific method. The scientific method involves a number of steps that were developed to make sure experiments produce reliable information to answer a question. A well-organized experiment is much more effective and influential than one without structure. You may have only one chance to influence your audience. Ineffective lab experiments may turn off your audience; however, a well-organized laboratory report can have impacts on your reputation as a scientist.
Parts of an experiment:
A typical experiment would include such steps as, ______
PURPOSE:
This involves making an ______, then doing research to come up with a good “testable” question. State the ______of the experiment in general terms. For example, “ It is possible for a tornado to make a straw go through a tree trunk.”
RESEARCH:
Look up existing (what others already know about your topic) ______or the ______. Doing research will help in making your ______ Getting some background knowledge on your topic will help to increase your knowledge and will help making the ______of data and drawing a logical ______One may use current science journals, reliable internet sources, books, or magazines.
HYPOTHESIS:
· ______ what the answer will be.
· Before beginning any experiment it is important to make a p______about what you think will happen. When you explain why you think something will happen, it is called creating a ______. A hypothesis is a prediction that relies on previous knowledge. An ______!! Only test one prediction at a time.
· Develop an ______ as to what might happen from your knowledge gained from prior research. Your______is really an "______" that is based on your past experience and knowledge of the subject. You will then test your hypothesis.
PROCEDURE:
______ an ______to test your prediction.
You must take many things into account when designing an experiment. Follow these steps:
1. List any ______. Variables are all the things that can affect the result of the experiment.
a. ______- factor that is ______or manipulated by the person performing the experiment
i. Ex: change in the amount of sunlight
b. ______- factor that will be ______and ______because the independent variable was changed
i. How tall plants grew
c. ______- Factors that stay the same throughout the entire experiment
i. Type of plant used
d. ______- the sample used that does ______have a change in the ______variable
i. The plant that does not have a change in amount of sunlight daily
2. Choose ______variable that will be changed-(______) during the experiment and all the other variables will remain the same (______).
3. Plan the experiment. Students should have a ______of how they will test their prediction. List observation strategies, how the results will be recorded, and materials used. Be ______. The experiment should be easy to ______.
Describe what the properties of the variable you are testing. Usually you will have a change in variable (such as changing the temperature, ______), and measure its ______(such as the length of a metal rod, dependent variable).
Specify such measurement details as the type of standard or instrument used to make the measurement (for example, meter stick or yard stick, etc.). Give the instrument uncertainties. For example, if we are using a meter stick, we can say, “ the length of the rod is measured using a laboratory meter stick accurate to within 1 cm.
ANALYZE DATA/RESULTS:
1) ______the experiment and ______your ______. Follow the procedure created when the experiment was designed. Carefully observe the experiment and record any observations made. Be detailed.
a) Use a ______to write detailed ______
b) May take photographs to document changes
c) Make ______at consistent intervals that you label (date)
2) ______- examine carefully what happened or what did not happen, look for details, patterns, and changes or no changes
3) Provide tables or graphs showing your ______with units.
a) ______should be neat, clear, and include the axis label and units.
b) Calculation of the final answer: slope calculation, averages, and standard deviations all in proper significant figures if using ______.
4) Types of data:
a) ______- data which may be given a mathematical (numerical) value- (______)
i) Grew 10 inches in 2 days
ii) Length, melting point, speed, mass, or volume
b) ______- data which is NOT given a mathematical (numerical) value but is DESCRIBED using words-(______)
i) Color, ______,______, or state of matter
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION:
1) ______the DATA/results of the experiment and make ______.
a) When the experiment is complete use the results to ______if the predictions made at the beginning were correct.
b) Restate your ______using evidence gathered in the experiment to justify (back up) your conclusion.
i) ______- a decision or conclusion that is based on your investigation and your evidence you gathered. Have to have some proof to back up your conclusion.
ii) ______- using evidence to back up or support hypothesis whether it is correct or incorrect
2) Present your findings from the experiment.
3) Evaluate the outcome objectively, taking an ______point of view (not influenced). Suppose that the outcome is not close to what you expected. Even then, after checking your results, give reasons why you believe that outcome is not going along with what you thought would happen. Make it plain, simple. Discuss anything discovered during the course of the experiment. Did anything unexpected happen?
4) State the ______(differences) between the experimental results and hypothesis, and discuss the differences in terms by offering logical inferences as to why is happened.
a) ______able to be repeated
b) ______- doubt in the validity of the experiment/conclusion that does not have evidence to back it up
5) Suggest ways to IMPROVE the experiment and/or pose another QUESTION. Review the experiment and conclusions to determine if anything could have been done better. Are there any other variables that could be tested, if so this could lead to other experiments.
______RESULTS:
1) ______or ______to others the information that you have determined.