Using The Scientific Method (Page 3 of 3) in pdf

Step 4 – Conducting Your Experiment

Conduct your experiment according to the step-by-step procedures you have prepared.

Record your data in a data table. Also record any observations that you make during the

completion of your experiment that may impact the results. If time permits, repeat your

experiment. Record your results in a data table and note any observations you made during

this phase of your experiment.

Step 5 – Analyze Data and Drawing Conclusions

Scientists do a lot of things to make data analysis easier. Scientists may make charts

and graphs and then analyze the charts and graphs to determine if any trend is

present. Scientists may also calculate averages and percentages. The method used to

analyze data depends upon the type of data you have collected. Analyze your data

by creating a chart or graph and calculate averages or percentages.

When presenting your data in your conclusion, do NOT just restate your data, but

summarize your data analysis. For example: If 100 people were tested and 60 people

preferred the taste of Coke more than the taste of Pepsi, do not restate this. Instead,

state that 60% of people tested preferred the taste of Coke more than the taste of

Pepsi. If you have created a chart or graph, refer to the chart or graph.

Write a conclusion for your experiment, including an analysis of your data. Scientists

draw conclusions by examining the data from the experiment. There are basically two

possible outcomes. Either the experiment supported the hypothesis and can be

regarded as true, or the experiment disproved the hypothesis as false. If the hypothesis is

false, repeat the steps in the scientific method and make adjustments to your

hypothesis.

If the hypothesis turns out to be false, there are some questions to ask to find out why:

What was wrong with the original hypothesis?

Did you make poor observations?

Was your experiment flawed?

Items that Need to be Turned In:

1. The list of initial questions you prepared with your partner.

2. Rough draft of the Scientific Method Lab Sheet

3. Any original data tables.

4. Your data analysis.

5. Final draft of the Scientific Method Lab Sheet

Using The Scientific Method Page 3