The Scientific Method

Introduction

As you begin your journey as a scientist, you will investigate and conduct many experiments.  However, first, you will become an expert in knowing, applying, and explaining what the Scientific Method is.  The scientific method involves the investigation of a question or problem by setting up an experiment to test the hypothesis.  A hypothesis is a statement or what a student thinks will happen as a result of the experiment.

Task

Students will be working in partners and together will become knowledgeable about the scientific method by searching through different websites.  Students will be using reference materials to do their science fair research paper.  Students will use scaffolding to research and organize information for writing a science fair paper.  Students will practice research skills, including evaluation of sources, paraphrasing and summarizing relevant information, and citation of sources used.  For each step you will do a different activity to practice each one.  Then you will search for your own question and demonstrate your solutions as a final project.  You will follow the five steps in the scientific method to complete your web quest.  Good luck through your journey of becoming experts in the scientific method!

Step 1:  Question/Problem

Step 2:  Observations

Step 3:  Hypothesis

Step 4:  Experiment

Step 5:  Analysis/Conclusion

Process

1.  Go to the following link and read about the Scientific Method and understand each term by completing the graphic organizer below.

http://www.kids.net.au/encyclopedia-wiki/sc/Scientific_method

The Scientific Method Word Concept Association

2.  To review, please watch the following video on the scientific method.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVfI1wat2y8

3.  Now you will read and practice writing a hypothesis on your own!

http://www.accessexcellence.org/LC/TL/filson/writhypo.php

Use this worksheet to write your own hypothesis and variables.

4.  You will conduct a virtual lab on a plant experiment. You will list all the materials that you will need in the virtual lab.  Then you will describe each step in detail.

http://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/scientific_method_plant_exp.html

Materials and Procedures worksheet please complete.

5.  Now you will have the opportunity to find your prefer topic by browsing through the topic selection wizard on “Science Buddies”

Evaluation

 

 Final Report Due: 

 

You grade yourself here

Criteria

Teacher Grade

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Title Page include:

  • Paper Title
  • Your Name
  • Teacher’s Name
  • Course Name/Period
  • Date

1  2   3   4   5

1  2   3   4   5

Abstract:  Is a short summary of the hypothesis, materials & procedures, results, and conclusions.

 

 

1  2   3   4   5

1  2   3   4   5

Question, Variables, and Hypothesis: This part you already done, just copy and paste.

  • The questions is stated.
  • Does the hypothesis include the independent and dependent variables?
  • Is the hypothesis based on information contained in the Research Paper?

1  2  3    4   5

1  2   3   4   5

Background Research: Does the research cover the following: This part you already done, just copy and paste.

  • Currently accepted theories, facts, and data.
  • Does the research present enough information to understand why the experimental results occur?
  • Have all important terms and concepts for this project been defined in the research?

1  2   3   4   5

1  2   3   4   5

Materials and Procedures.   This part you already done, just copy and paste.

  • Have the materials been described in sufficient detail?
  • Are the procedures listed in a clear, logical order , like a recipe?

1  2   3   4   5

1  2   3   4   5

Data Tables and Graphs

  • Has the data been summarized with a mean, median, mode, and range.
  • Are the graphs label properly?
  • Is there sufficient data to know whether the hypothesis is correct?

1  2   3   4   5

1  2   3   4   5

Conclusions

  • Does it summarize the result and is use to support findings?
  • Does it state if hypothesis was proved or disproved?
  • Does it summarize and evaluate the experimental procedure, making comments about its success and effectiveness?

1  2   3   4   5

1  2   3   4   5

Bibliography or Words cited page : Is a list of the sources that was used to answer the research questions.  This part you already done, just copy and paste.

1  2   3   4   5

Add the above scores here:

 

 

 

 

Total Points Earned

          /40
Conclusion

Great job scientist! You have completed a number of activities that will help you become an expert on the scientific method.  I look forward in conducting further experiments using the scientific method.

Credits
Teacher Page

The Scientific Method Webquest

The following standards were used to focus some of the activities for students guided learning on the scientific method.

California Content Standard(s):

RST.6-8.7      Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table).

WHST.6-8.9     Draw evidence from informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. (MS-LS1-6),(MS-LS2-4)

SL.8.5            Integrate multimedia and visual displays into presentations to clarify information, strengthen claims and evidence, and add interest

Library Content Standard(s):

1.2       Formulate appropriate questions:

a.   Establish a hypothesis, a position statement, or both.

b.   Identify topics and subtopics; ask and evaluate research questions for relevancy.

c.   Create a plan of action for research by defining the topic and identifying key questions, key words, and possible resources.

1.3c.   Prioritize sources of information for efficient and effective use.