Scientific Method and Variables
Today we reviewed the steps of the Scientific Method and Variables. We will practice more on identifying variables next class and then take a short quiz on variables in 2 class periods.
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
VARIABLES
Watch the following MythBusters episode and use the worksheet linked below to evaluate how they use the Scientific Method and identify the variables of the experiment.
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
- Question/Problem (based on observations)
- Research
- Hypothesis (must be Testable and Specific; If__________, then ________ statement)
- Test/Experiment
- Collect and Analyze Data
- Conclusion
VARIABLES
- Independent Variable (IV)
- Changed or controlled by the experimenter
- Thing being tested
- Dependent Variable (DV)
- Depends on changes in the Independent Variable
- Thing being measured, counted, or observed
- Control
- Test run under "normal" conditions
- Used to COMPARE (baseline comparison)
- Constants
- Things that are kept THE SAME during every test
Watch the following MythBusters episode and use the worksheet linked below to evaluate how they use the Scientific Method and identify the variables of the experiment.