Name: ______HR: ______

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD LAB

The scientific method is a way to think about problems and a way to solve problems. Scientists do not always follow the steps of the scientific method in order. However after a problem is solved, a scientist can use the scientific method to explain how the solution was reached. The scientific method can be broken down into the following parts:

  • State the problem.
  • Gather information.
  • Form a hypothesis.
  • Experiment.
  • Record and analyze data.
  • State a conclusion.

INTRODUCTION

Last year, most 7th graders were involved in a science project. This investigation is to help review some of the steps you may have used during your investigation. In this activity, you will follow the steps of the scientific method to discover what is the content of candies in a baggie. The candies have a coating, which covers it contents. You will record observations such as measurement, shape, color and any other distinguishing features. You will base you hypothesis of the contents on your observation and background information that you already have (experience with similar candy). Do not eat any of the candies because it will affect your results. Do not open the bag until you are instructed to do so.

OBJECTIVES

  • Follow the steps of the scientific method to solve a problem.
  • Form a Hypothesis/Prediction based on research or experience
  • Design a test for your hypothesis
  • Record data in a table or chart.
  • Discuss findings

MATERIALS

  • small clear bag of different-colored M&M candies – 1/group
  • ruler

DIRECTIONS

1. State the problem. (Hint: What are you trying to find out?)

2. Gather background information. Probably your best sources of information (without going to the internet) are experts, people with experience with colored candies. Look around and you will find some experts, in fact you may be an expert yourself. Start by taking careful observations about the candy in the clear baggie. Record things like shape, color, size, markings – do these observations through the bag.

Make a table below to record your results below. Assign each of your candies a number to be referred to later during testing:

M&M Id / Color / Observations including size, shape, markings

3. Form a Hypothesis – Before making a hypothesis/prediction, answer the following questions:

Based on experience, what contents might you expect to find in candies like this?

Do all the candies look the same?

Hypothesis (what do you think the candies contain? Are they the same or different?)

4. Experiment. Design an experiment to test your hypothesis. When you have it outlined below, raise you hand and get the teachers OK before proceeding.

5. Perform test - Record and Analyze data.

M&M # / Predicted contents / Actual contents / Match?

Is there a way to graph this data? Explain.

6. Discussion of results: Did your findings match your hypothesis? Give possible explanations of why or why they didn’t match the hypothesis/prediction. Is there any additional testing that might help answer your question?

Part II

Examples of questions that scientists ask when reviewing results of other scientists are: “Is this experiment repeatable” and “how many samples did you test?” To help us explore why they may ask those questions, we are going to pool the data. You will be asked to submit your data to help create a class data table. Copy the class Data below:

M&M contents / # with contents / # of M&M correct prediction / # of M&Ms incorrect prediction
example / 8 / 6 / 2
Peanut
Pretzel
Coconut
Peanut butter
Chocolate

Make a graph of the results. Look at pages 678-680 in the text to help you decide what kind of graph to make. If you need graph paper, please ask the teacher. What further information can you get from using the class data as compared to using just your own group’s data.