Scientific method

There are many versions of the scientific method, but basically it’s a way to understand phenomena or find the “truth.”  One version includes the following steps:

1. identify a problem or something you want to understand
2. do background research on the topic (such as in the library)
3. write hypothesis (an educated guess)
4. conduct the experiment
5. observation and collect data
6. analysis the data
7. draw a conclusion

A few things to consider:

·      Use the metric system

·      Write down exactly what you have observed

·      Your hypothesis should be testable

Types of Variables

·      Independent Variables - are changes by the experimenter.  It is changed to observer how it affects the dependent variable.  You should only have one independent variable, if you have more you won’t know what caused any changes.

·      Dependent Variables - are changes that occur due to what the subject does.  It results from manipulating the independent variables.

·      A Controlled Variable - is anything else that could influence the dependent variables.  Try to keep these constants for each experiment or trial.

·      Control Group – is another group that is treated exactly the same except for When conducing an experiment on a group you need to consider group size (sample size) and if they are a representative of the population (random)

For Valid results:

·      Conduct many trials (repeat the experiment)

·      Have many different subjects

Engineering type Projects

·      Show how something works

·      Create something new

·      Solve a problem

·      Make a new application of an exciting product

·      Such as constructing machines, structures, circuits, robots, programs

Include the following Steps:

1. Find a need or how to make something better
2. Write design requirements
3. Do background research
4. Develop design and make a material list
5. Build and test a prototype of your best design.
6. Test and re-test
7. Refine your design and make it more reliable  
8. Present results

Organize and Analyze Data

·      Chart & graphs

·      Table

·      Diagrams

·      Flowcharts

·      Do statistics, such as average, median and standard deviation

For additional information, please contact                  

The Co-Directors

Tom Cooper tcooper@kusd.edu

 Lakeview Technology Academy

 (262) 947-8155

  Fax (262) 947-8159