scientific method
a series of steps that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems
problem
always in form of a question; the question we are trying to answer by doing the experiment
Example of a Problem
How does the amount of water in a bottle affect the sound made when the bottle is tapped?
Research
Looking up information or reading about your topic to try to find out more information. Usually before you make a hypothesis.
hypothesis
An educated guess that attempts to explain an observation or answer a question.
Example of Hypothesis
If the amount of water is more, then the sound will be lower when the bottle is tapped.
data and results
A summary of the data you have collected (graphs, tables, charts, photos, etc.); all your observations from the experiment
Data
Organize into charts, tables, drawing, and diagrams. You can decide what the information means.
graph
A visual representation of your data. It helps you understand all those numbers.
conclusion
the answer to your question; a summary of what you have learned from an experiment
control group
part of an experiment that does not contain a variable; all conditions are kept normal; used as a COMPARISON
independent/manipulated variable
factor in an experiment that a scientist purposely changes; the cause
You, the scientist, CAN control it.
dependent/responding variable
the factor that changes (measured) as a result of the experiment; the effect
You, the scientist, CANNOT control it.
Example of a constant
The factors that are kept the same in an experiment. ( in picture: the volume of liquid is the same in 3 trials)
Example of Conclusion
In conclusion, based on the data and graph, the more water in the bottle the lower the sound.