An Example of the scientific Method

     It is interesting that how the scientific method is used all the time by us in nearly every problem solving situation.  First we identify the problem.  Then we look to past information and experiences to learn about the problem.  Next we look at ways to solve the problem.  Thus we begin our attempts to solve the problem.  After our attempts to solve the problem we look at the results.  We judge whether or not the tries were successful.  Then we go back and redo what we started again.

     For instance....John wants to go to the mall with his friends.  There.  He has selected the problem which is: Can I get permission from my parents to go to the mall with my friends.  Now, John looks at what he has tried in the past and what he knows about the moods of his parents, and the methods his friends used.  Base on this he forms an idea of what will happen under certain conditions.  He know he has get his parents in the best mood by what he does that they would say yes.  Once his hypothesis is in place, John will begin his experiments.  Now he has careful figured out what steps would be taken with his parents.   We all know what those would be!  Then based on the outcomes or data/observations, John will know whether or not his hypothesis was correct.  If he is not successful, his hypothesis was wrong and he is back to the drawing board to form another hypothesis.  If his hypothesis was proven, he gets to go to the mall with his friends.  Mission accomplished!

Classic Experiment:  Car and Ramp

     Let's review some important terms and what each term means.  A variable is any factor in an experiment that could influence the outcome of the experiment. There are different types of variables.  The independent variable is that variable that will be changed during the experiment.  The dependent variable is that variable that be measured or observed as an outcome of the experiment.  If the dependent variable is measured in numbers, it is a quantitative dependent variable.  If the dependent variable is observations or written description, it is a qualitative dependent variable.

     I think we need to look at all the variables that could affect the outcome of the Car/Ramp experiment.  These are the variables to consider:  length, width, and texture of the ramp.  The ramp could be made of wood, metal, and even plastic. The size, weight, and shape of rolling vehicle.  The size and surface texture of the vehicle's wheels.  The angle of the ramp.  The type of surface the the vehicle will roll out onto.  Will the vehicle roll out on a carpeted or a hard surface.  The way to release the vehicle as it starts to roll down the ramp.  Atmosphere in the testing area meaning will the temperature, air movement, and no precipitation be maintained throughout the testing time.  Will gravity be maintained?  The measurement method in centimeters should be used.  Will the same measuring device be used throughout the experiment?  Will the method of measuring the distance the vehicle travelled be the same?
     In any experiment, the scientists should test only one variable at a time.  This is possible in a lab situation.  But in nature this may not be possible.  When you are testing only one variable, the results either quantitative or qualitative data will allow the scientists to reach a conclusion that clearly show how the independent variable affects the dependent variable.  But if data is being gathered on more than one variable, the conclusion has to look how each independent variable might affect the dependent variable.  Set up your experiment in a lab situation so you are only testing one variable.  So in an experiment all variables that do not change are called constants.  When completing a lab you should ensure that none of the constant variables are changed in any way.  Changing any of these constants would affect the dependent variable.

Vehicle/Ramp Experiment

Now let's see how this everyday problem solving method is used in science.
      Step One is: State the Problem:  Here you will choose which variable you will make the independent variable...the one you will change during the experimental trials.  The variable to be chosen for this example is the angle of the ramp for the vehicles to roll down.  Your question is "How will the angel of the ramp affect the distance in centimeters the vehicle rolls from the end of the ramp?"
     Step Two:  Gathering information on the topic of your investigation.  You will use a number of different sources for the information.  The internet, research books, experts in the topic, articles in magazines, and even your own knowledge.  You gather all this information together.  Make sure you used the type of bibliography required.  This can be found on-line and other sources.  Like your English teacher or the media specialist.
     Step Three:  Form a Hypothesis.  After collecting all the information on your topic, you are ready to form a hypothesis.  This is defined as an educated guess as to what is thought to happen during the experiment.  Now the hypothesis is really the answer to the question in Step One.  Since the question is: "How will the angel of the ramp affect the distance in centimeters the vehicle rolls from the end of the ramp?"; the hypothesis will be: "As the angel of the ramp increases, the distance the vehicle rolls will increase."
     Step Four:  Design an experiment to test the hypothesis.  You would gather the following materials: Wooden ramp that is 36 inches by 24 inches with a smooth texture.  The vehicle is a toy truck that is 10 cm long and 6 cm wide with four plastic smooth wheels. A protractor to measurement the angel of the ramp in degrees.  A 30 meter measuring tape to measure the distance the toy truck rolls across the carpeted floor.  Two equipment stands with test tube clamps to hold the ramp at the correct angle.  Plus a Data chart.
     Step Five: Complete experiment and record data.  This is an important part in which the experimental procedure is done carefully and accurately.
                  a.  Set the angel of the ramp at the first angle.  Record this on the data                        chart.
                  b.  Set the toy truck at the starting spot on the ramp.
                  c.  Release the toy truck do not push it.  Gravity will do the rest.
                  d.  Once the truck has stopped rolling on the carpet, measuring in                                centimeters just how far it rolled.  Be sure to measure from the end                        of the ramp to the front bumper of the truck.  Record on the Data                          Chart.
                  e.  Do a total of 5 trials for each angle and record on the Data Table.
                  f.  You should test at least five different angles with five trials each.
       Step Six:  Analyze data from the experiment and draw a conclusion.   In this part you are to use the data to determine if the distance the truck rolled did increase as the angle of the ramp increased.  You will need to sum the distances for each of the angle then calculate the average distance travelled by the truck in centimeters.  You will follow the same procedure for the other angles you used. With the final average travel distance for each of the ramp angle used; you will have quantitative data that will help you reach a conclusion.  Now you will determine if you proved your hypothesis or not.  You need to use your data to support your conclusion both if it supported your hypothesis or what was shown if it did not support your hypothesis.  Be sure to use your data in all explanations.
     Step Seven:  Communicating Results.  As all scientists do, you will write up your report as specified by the requirements of doing a science experiment.   Your teacher will give you those requirements.
                 

Diagram from www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects