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.