The Scientific Method
NOTES AND PAPERCLIP LAB
Step #1
STATE THE PROBLEM

The problem identifies what you want to find out.

Be SPECIFIC

In form of questions.

Ex. “How does _______ affect ________?

Ex. “What is the effect of ___________ on _________?
Step #1
STATE THE PROBLEM
PAPERCLIP LAB:
Question:
“How many paperclips can I fit in a full cup of water, without it spilling?”
Step #2
RESEARCH

Write down what you already know.

Use books, articles, experts, and internet.


Reliable sources (.edu .gov .org
NOT Wikipedia)
If you find the answer the your question, you don’t need to move on.
Step #2
RESEARCH
PAPERCLIP LAB:

Paperclips all the same size

Brand Name

Water displacement

Water properties

Books?

Internet?
Step #3
HYPOTHESIS

HYPOTHESIS: explanation based upon prior research or observations AND
can be tested.

NOT AN EDUCATION GUESS!!!

Must relate to your problem.

Not everyone will have the same hypothesis.

** IF or THEN statement.

Ex:
If ……… Then ……..
Step #3
HYPOTHESIS
PAPERCLIP LAB:
If I put _______ paperclips in the cup, then it will spill.
Step #4
EXPERIMENT

Test to support or deny your hypothesis.

Variables: something that changes in an experiment

Independent Variable – a variable that the scientist physically changes

Dependent Variable – the variable that is being measured. “THE RESULT”

Only 1 independent variable

Controlled Experiment – when only 1 factor at a time is being tested using a
control group and experimental group.


Control – the scientist does not change

Experimental – science will changed something
Constants –what is kept the same in control and experimental groups.
Step #4
EXPERIMENT
PAPERCLIP LAB:
1.
Fill plastic cup almost to the top with water. Take back to seat.
2.
Fill beaker less than half full with water. Take back to seat.
3.
Fill plastic cup to the top. You will see the water bulge over top of cup.
4.
Add 1 paperclip at a time to cup of water.
5.
Continue adding paperclips to cup until water spills. Keep count of paperclips
as you add.
6.
Record the number of paperclips you fit in your cup of water.
7.
Pour some water into the beaker to decrease the water in the cup.
8.
Empty all water from beaker and cup. Dry area.
Step #5
RECORD & ANALYZE DATA

Make observations using your 5 senses.

See, Smell, Touch, Taste, Hear

Ex. Fizzing, color change, bitter, sweet

Measurable data – meters, grams, liters

Be consistent in recording your data.

Create tables and charts.

Create graphs from collected data

Usually line graphs or bar graphs in science
Step #5
RECORD & ANALYZE DATA
PAPERCLIP LAB:
# of paperclips I fit in cup before spilling: ______
* We could record the class average of paperclips*
Step #6
STATE THE CONCLUSIONS

Restate the purpose of experiment.

State if the hypothesis was correct or incorrect.

Consider improvements for your experiment.
Step #6
STATE THE CONCLUSIONS
PAPERCLIP LAB:
The purpose of the experiment was to find out how many paperclips I could
fit in a full cup of water without it spilling. Originally, I believe I could fit _____
paperclips into the cup of water. My hypothesis was (correct/incorrect)
because ________________________. I could improve my experiment by
______________________________________________________.
STEP #7
REPEAT EXPERIMENT FOR ACCURACY

Experiments completed the same way may have different results.

To be VALID and ACCURATE, scientist always repeat their experiments
multiple times.

Once an experiment is completed multiple times with the same results, a
scientist will publish their findings.