Name: ________________________________________________ Date: ____________________ Section: ____ Hatfield

Scientific Method
The scientific method attempts to minimize the influence of bias or prejudice in the experimenter. Even the
best-intentioned scientists can't escape bias. It results from personal beliefs, as well as cultural beliefs, which
means any human filters information based on his or her own experience. Unfortunately, this filtering process
can cause a scientist to prefer one outcome over another. For someone trying to solve a problem around the
house, succumbing to these kinds of biases is not such a big deal. But in the scientific community, where
results have to be reviewed and duplicated, bias must be avoided at all costs.

That's the job of the scientific method. It provides an objective, standardized approach to conducting
experiments and, in doing so, improves their results. By using a standardized approach in their investigations,
scientists can feel confident that they will stick to the facts and limit the influence of personal, preconceived
notions. Even with such a rigorous methodology in place, some scientists still make mistakes. For example,
they can mistake a hypothesis for an explanation of a phenomenon without performing experiments. Or they
can fail to accurately account for errors, such as measurement errors. Or they can ignore data that does not
support the hypothesis.

What is required for a solid scientific experiment?

You can use the textbooks, each other, or the internet (in your own words!)

Safety!
You have signed the lab safety test and are aware of the class expectations. If you do not respect lab safety and
class expectations, you will not be able to participate in this activity. Any experiments you have designed must be safe
and easily cleaned up. You are responsible for lab clean-up before leaving for the day.

1
Developing a Problem:
In your own words, clearly state the problem (question statement) that you are going to investigate. Include a
clear identification of the independent and dependent variables that you will study.

PROBLEM

Designing an Experiment:
Design an experiment to solve the problem. Your experimental design should match the statement of the
problem, should control for variables, and should be clearly described so that someone else could easily repeat your
experiment. Include a control if appropriate. I must approve your design before you begin.

Independent Variable:

Dependent Variable:

Control:

Constant:

Experimental Group:
Materials (What materials do you need?):
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Experiment approved by Ms. Hatfield (Stamp Required):

2
Evidence Collection:
As you work through your experiment, you will be responsible for collecting evidence. Evidence is defined as
measurements or observations that you will use to support your claim. Evidence should show a trend over time, show a
difference between groups or objects, or a relationship between variables. You will be responsible for collecting data in
the form of a data table and using it to generate a graph. Attach any extra sheets of evidence to this packet.

DATA TABLE

3
Reflection:

1. How would you improve this experiment? I detailed sentences please explain your reasoning

2. Could someone else easily repeat this process? I detailed sentences please explain your reasoning

3. Create a graph to show the results of your experiment. Remember not all experiments will fit under the same
graphing guidelines.

4. What is your conclusion after completing this experiment?