The Scientific Method

Outcomes

Write a scientific report to include the following: Aim, Hypothesis, Equipment, Method, Results and observations, Discussion or analysis and Conclusion.

The Scientific Method: (noun) A method of research in which a problem is identified, relevant data are gathered, a hypothesis is formulated from these data, and the hypothesis is empirically tested.

One of the most important skills a scientist needs to develop is good observation. This goes together with accurate, well-kept notes recording those observations. We separate our observations (what we hear, see, smell, touch or taste) from the conclusions (or inferences) we make about them. It is important not to make our minds up about a particular problem too early. We also need to remember that SCIENCE IS REPEATABLE. We need to ensure that our experiments can be repeated by others and that they will obtain similar results.

How do scientists work?

You will be working in cooperative groups with everyone having a particular role, some members may have more than one role.

Task manager: ensures that purposes and tasks have been decided and everyone knows what to do.
Recorder: ensures that work is being done and records are being kept by each individual OR acts as scribe for the group.
Equipment/Resources manager: ensures that equipment, reference books, and other materials are available and are put back – the only one who can collect equipment, etc.
Reporter: ensures the group reaches a consensus; reports the group’s findings to the teacher or class; asks the teacher questions and answers the teachers questions.
Safety Officer: checks safety requirements and makes sure everyone adheres to them. Writes the risk assessment if one is needed.
Encourager: ensures that everyone is on task; encourages when things are difficult; praises good efforts.

Activities:

List the steps of the scientific method in order.
Define each step in your book.
Scientific reports allow a scientist to recount the experiment and its findings so that it can be read and analysed by others. Read the following descriptive text and convert it into a scientific report using the scaffold below. You might like to refer to Core Science Stage 4, p. 20, which describes the sections in a scientific report.

Olivia decided to investigate whether a tennis ball rebounds higher when dropped onto carpet or onto vinyl. She used a metre rule and held the tennis ball at the top of the ruler and let it fall onto each surface. Her friend Tommy watched from the side and used the ruler to measure the heights of the rebounding ball on each surface. On the carpet, they found that the rebound heights over three trials were 20 cm, 21 cm and 19 cm; on the vinyl, the rebound heights were 32 cm, 33 cm and 31 cm. Afterwards they discussed their results and Tommy suggested that the lower rebound height on the carpet may be due to the ability of carpet to absorb some of the energy as it bounces. They decided to check out similar experiments by examining various science resources in the library and on the internet.

Title

Aim

Materials

Method

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

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