scientific+method


 * The Scientific Method**

The origins of this problem-solving technique are not known; in fact it has more than likely been used in some form throughout human history. One of the earliest Europeans to advocate its use in science was Roger Bacon, an English alchemist and Friar in the mid-1200's A.D.



There are a number of steps involved in the scientific method, but it all basically boils down to "trial and error". It may not seem obvious, but every time you solve a problem - whether it be in school or something such as your car not starting - you use the scientific method. (Or, at least, you should!)

Here are the basic steps involved in using the scientific method:

Step One: What is the problem, question, issue, etc.?
 * For example, we all have heard of global warming. So __state a specific question__, such as: What can you do to prevent global warming?

Step Two: Do some preliminary research or make __initial observations__. Make sure you aren't going to solve a problem someone else has already figured out.
 * Example: We already know that certain greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane can contribute to global warming.

Step Three: __state a hypothesis__ that will potentially solve the problem, or answer the question.
 * Example: As an individual, riding my bike more instead of driving a car will reduce my contribution to global warming.

Step Four: Test your hypothesis using __experiments__. All experiments need some sort of //control// (no change in variables) and a //variable// (the change usually mentioned in the hypothesis).
 * Example: As a control, I will drive to work for five days and determine the amount of gasoline I use. As a variable, I will ride my bike to work for a week and determine how much gasoline I use.

Step Five: Data Analysis - look at the experimental __results__ and determine whether the data supports or refutes your hypothesis.
 * Example: Driving to work used 55 gallons of gasoline. Biking to work used zero gallons of gasoline. The hypothesis was supported.

Step Six: __Conclusion__ - was the hypothesis supported or disproved? If it is supported, very well. If it is not, then a new, //modified hypothesis// is in order.
 * Example: less gasoline burned is less carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere, thus reducing my impact on global warming.

Eventually, if a hypothesis is tested and supported enough times, it may become a **theory**. There are many, many theories out there. Here are a few:
 * evolution
 * creationism
 * Big Bang
 * Relativity
 * Greenhouse Effect

Do not get theories confused with **laws**. A theory may be proven incorrect; a law is a universally accepted truth. Here are a few laws:
 * gravity
 * planetary motion
 * conservation of matter and energy
 * electrical resistance

__Other Key Terms:__

//Data set//: a collection of data, which should include at least three data points (called a triplicate measurement); the more the better, especially when averaging.

//Outlier:// a data point that lies outside the standard error of the data set.

//Bias//: an unwanted preconceived idea that can skew the results of the experiment.

//Interpolation//: otherwise known as a "best-fit" line in a data set.



//Extrapolation//: extension of a data set to be used in prediction of a trend.

Here is a worksheet: