1. Practicing Scientific
Method

2. Steps of the Scientific Method

3. Components of Scientific
Experiment
 Title
 Background information
 Hypothesis
 Materials
 Controls & Variables
 Procedure
 Data & Analysis
 Conclusion

4. Variables
 Variables are factors that change during
experiment.
 Independent Variable (IV): variable
that is purposely changed during
experiment
 Dependent Variable (DV): variable that
changes in response to purposeful change
(IV)

5.  Controls: Variable that all others will be
compared to
◦ Allows variables to be compared to something
 Procedure: step by step instructions of
what you will do
 Constant: Experimental aspect that is
kept the same for all trials

6.  Title of Experiment:
◦ The Effect of (Insert Independent Variable
Here) on (Insert Dependent Variables Here).
 Hypothesis of Experiment:
◦ If (planned change in independent variable),
then (predicted changed in dependent variable)
Or another way to look at it…
◦ If (I do this) , then (this) will happen.
 Test your hypothesis by doing the
experiment

7. Example: Test insulation of
different materials on jar of water
 Title: The Effect of Type of Insulation Wrap
on Temperature of Water in a Jar
 Hypothesis: If jars of water in the sun are
wrapped with different types of insulation,
then the temperature of the water in the jars
will increase by different amounts.
 IV: Type of insulation
 DV: Change in temperature of water in jar

8. Collect Data
Control IV 1
(Cotton)
IV 2
(Wool)
IV 3
(Nylon)
Results of
Trials (May
be more
than 1)
Results of
Trials (May
be more
than 1)
Results of
Trials (May
be more
than 1)
Results of
Trials (May
be more
than 1)

9. Data & Results
 Analyze your data:
◦ Qualitative (They’re hot!), Quantitative
(They’re a 10!)
◦ Create a graph/chart
 Conclusion:
◦ Briefly restate hypothesis
◦ Answer to your question
◦ Explain your results (How & Why)
◦ Describe any modifications and next steps.

10. Practice Science Method
1. What is the independent variable?
2. What is the dependent variable?
3. What would be an appropriate control?
4. What are some of the constants?
5. Set up a graph (Title & Labels) for data
A group of scientists want to measure the
effect of adding different types of nutrients to
the same plant species. They plan to add 3
different nutrients to the different species and
measure the effect on the plant’s growth.