Explore and Practice Scientific Method

The following outline is to provide you with a template for how to proceed with a scientific investigation. Use this information to complete assignments #003 and #004. Remember this is an outline and some experiments require you to repeat steps, alter the hypothesis, or have multiple revisions. Don't be discouraged, even the most advanced scientists have experiments that don't work or require a lot of revisions. So keep trucking!

I. PURPOSE:

What is the reason for doing the experiment or what is there to be learned from doing the experiment?

II. HYPOTHESIS:

What "you think" will be the final outcome of the experiment. This is generally based on prior knowledge or observations. In other words, you are not just pulling this "out of thin air"; you have some logical reason for thinking this. If you have no prior knowledge of the concept, you will need to do research before making a hypothesis. Also, explain exactly "why you think this". REMEMBER! There is no right or wrong answer. It's strictly what "you think" and "why you think this".

III. MATERIALS:

A list of equipment and supplies that will be needed to complete the lab procedure. List the major pieces of equipment first. Example, microscope, triple beam balance, 1000 mL graduated cylinder, etc. Then list common supplies, such as string, paper clips, etc. and consumables such as vinegar, baking soda, etc.

IV. PROCEDURE:

1. The step by step process that is followed in carrying out the experiment. Preferrably, the steps are sequentially listed in the order they need to be followed to complete the experiment successfully. Be very exact with each step in case someone else wants to repeat your procedure. It's like telling someone how to find your house. The least little mistake or detail left out could be critical to the outcome of the experiment.
2. Using the safety symbols, identify any precautions that may need to be followed in completing this experiment.
3. Identify the variables in the experiment:
   • Controlled - factors that remain constant throughout the experiment.
   • Independent - the one factor that will be manipulated or changed during the experiment.
   • Dependent - the variable that becomes altered as a result of the change that was made in the independent variable.
   • Try this Pendulum Experiment using variables!

V. OBSERVATIONS:

Scientists record observations in journals or logs. Observations are never destroyed once recorded.

Observations are of two catergories:

• Qualitative - information gathered through the senses such as smell, taste, touch, hear, shape, etc.
• Quantitative - information gathered due to precise measurements, such as height in cm, width in cm, mass in g, volume in cm3, density in g/cm3, time in seconds, speed in kph, etc.
• Try this Activity

Observations are organized in:

• Data tables or charts.
• Graphs are visual representations of the data so that it can be easily studied, interpreted, and analyzed. Circle, bar, and line are examples of kinds of graphs.

VI. CONCLUSION:

This is a written summary of what was actually learned from doing the experiment. The conclusion will either support or reject the proposed hypothesis. The following is a three paragraph format to follow in writing an appropriate conclusion. The outline is a guide to help you include the necessary information.

VII. REVISION

This portion will be done after it has been submitted and you've received feed back from your teacher.