Overview of Scientific
Method and Project
Components
YCSEE Teacher Training
November 23, 2013
Project Components
Scientific Method
• All projects must use the Scientific Method and must contain
a variable (some change in the procedure where comparisons
can be made) that has been tested with at least 5 trials.
•
A demonstration project models a scientific concept or principle
without testing a variable.
• It displays facts or information and may be put on display, but will
not be judged.
• All the following components must be included in the project
presentation except the extensive research paper which is
optional.
• The problem, hypothesis, procedure,
observations/results and conclusion should appear on
the presentations board.
• All other materials are considered extraneous and should be
placed with the display in any optional space, either on the
board or on the table with the board.
Scientific Method
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Observe
Do Research
Form a Hypothesis
Test the Hypothesis
Collect Data
Analyze Data
Draw Conclusions
Publish methods, results and
conclusions for peer review
Observe/Do Research
•
•
You observe something (phenomena) and
want to explain what you observe but cannot
• May or may not be known by someone else
or be a new phenomena
You do research about the idea to see if
someone else has observed and described the
same thing.
• You go to the internet
• You go to the library
• You ask people who might know
• You watch and observe phenomena
Project Components - Problem
PROBLEM:
The question to be tested.
• Should be stated as an interrogative sentence
implying more than a yes or no response.
• Should identify the independent variable (the
factor that is changed or tested) and the
dependent variable (what will be measured or
should change).
• Examples:
• What is the effect of ___ on ___?
• How do/does____ affect____?
• To what extent do/does____affect____?
Form a Hypothesis
• After research, gathered facts and some creative
thinking are used to come up with a possible
explanation.
• Inductive reasoning --- using specific
observations and the process of logic to come
up with a hypothesis.
• A hypothesis is…
• an “Educated Guess”
• based on the research and not just a guess
• testable
• must be phrased in such a way as to be
tested
Project Components - Hypothesis
HYPOTHESIS: An educated guess that outlines what is believed
to be the intended outcome of the experiment.
• Should also contain a statement of why this outcome will be
observed based on some kind of background knowledge.
• Participant may use any of the following models in helping them
construct a hypothesis.
• If I _______then______, because_________.
• __________, when I ________ because___________.
• If I change ________ then________ will (change by)
______, because_______.
• The statement that _______ (is/is not) true because
________.
• (More/Less) ________ will _________, because _________.
Test a Hypothesis
• You do not prove your hypothesis…you falsify it.
• Experiments are designed to falsify the
hypothesis by yielding evidence (data) to
disprove it.
• If the evidence (data) that is gathered does
support the hypothesis, the hypothesis is
accepted on a trial basis only.
• It is never accepted as absolute truth.
• Future investigations may falsify the
hypothesis.
Project Components - Procedure
PROCEDURE: A list of the steps used to
conduct the experiment.
• Each statement should begin with an
action verb and contain a description of
the use of the constant, independent and
dependent variables.
• A materials list should be included.
• Indicate a minimum of 5 trials.
Collect/Analyze Data
•
•
•
•
•
Quantitative data
• More easily reproducible and testable.
• Explains a specific situation with numbers and
objective data
Qualitative data
• Deals with conducting interviews and observing and
recoding behavior
• Focuses on process instead of outcomes
Data collection methods must be repeatable by
others
After the data is collected it is analyzed
Statistical tests are often used to describe data that has
great amounts of variation
Project Components – Observation/Results
OBSERVATIONS/RESULTS: Collected
quantitative data from the experiment.
• Should be displayed with a chart, graph,
pictures, log/journal or some other type of
recording device that accurately shows what
happened while the experiment was being
conducted.
• Should display data collection of 5 or more
trials.
Project Components - Conclusion
CONCLUSION: An interpretation/analysis of
the observations/results of the experimental
procedure.
• States whether the hypothesis was or was not
supported.
• Answers the question "What was learned?".
• The results should be interpreted and justified,
but should not be stated as a proof.
• May contain a statement about further
exploration.
Publish methods, results and conclusions for
peer review
• Peer review…
• eliminate bias
• allow for others to reproduce the
experiment and determine if they get the
same results
• Types of Publications
• Research Paper
• Review Paper
Project Components – Narrative Report/Research paper
NARRATIVE REPORT: This 2-3 page, 12 font double-spaced
document (if typed), excluding attached bibliography, is designed to
help facilitate judging.
• Cover page is optional
• Should give a brief overview of the project, a short review of
research, and any other information that would provide evidence
for assessing the project
• Bibliography for :
•
•
4th and 5th grade projects should contain one or more sources.
6th through 8th grade projects should have a minimum of 3 sources.
• 9th through 12th grade projects should have a minimum of
5 sources
RESEARCH PAPER: Optional for grades 4-8. Mandatory for grades 9-12.
• This paper may be any length and should contain researched
information that supports the experiment
• Should contain a complete bibliography of sources and be placed
with extraneous materials
Poster Samples