Scientific Method Foldable for Studying
Fold paper on black line and quiz yourself
A step-by-step method for solving problems
1
State the Problem
State the problem in the form of a question
2 Research the problem
Gather information on your problem
3 Propose a Hypothesis
Propose an educated guess to the answer your question.
MUST be an if/then statement
If…….. then, this will happen.
Develop the experiment to test the hypothesis.
Title the experiment: The effect of ___IV___ on the DV___.
4
Experiment
Independent Variable
(IV)
Dependent Variable
(DV)
Constants
Control Group
5
6
Record Observations
Collect Data
Analyze Results
Conclusion
The variable “I” change on purpose.
The variable that responds to (depends upon) the change
“I” make.
All factors that are kept the same and cannot change.
No tests are performed on the control group so you can
compare results with the experimental group.
Create a Data Table
GRAPH Results
What was the purpose of the experiment?
What were the findings?
Was the hypothesis supported by the data?
What possible explanations can you offer for your finding?
What recommendations do you have to improve your experiment or
recommendations for further study?
If hypothesis is incorrect, you must create a new one.
Theory
Law
An explanation that has been proven correct so far by repeated
tests.
Basic fact describing the behavior of a natural phenomenon.
Ex: Newton’s Law of Gravity – What goes up – must come down
To figure out the difference between the Independent Variable and the Dependent Variable, follow this
pattern:
Write your own independent variables and dependent variables in the blanks below to practice this skill.
The effect of
IV Independent Variable
on the
DV Dependent Variable
The effect of
The effect of
The effect of
The effect of
the amount of water
the amount of Clorox
the amount of hair growing gel
sunlight
on the
on the
on the
on the
growth of plants
growth of mold
growth of hair
growth of plants