​Experiments

• ​In science, every full experiment has a between 4-6 components. These make up the "scientific method"

  • ​Observation

  • ​Hypothesis

  • ​Experiment

  • Data ​Analysis

  • ​Conclusion

  • ​Reporting

• What we see or know to begin with

• ​What we predict will happen

• ​How we test our prediction

• ​What we find when we test our prediction

• ​What the results of our analysis MEAN

• ​Sharing our results with others

​What these words mean...

​Variables

• ​In science we use different terms to help us clarify what PART of an experiment we're talking about

• ​The most important terms are:

  • ​Dependent Variable

  • ​Independent Variable

  • ​Control Variable(s)

​Graphs

• ​Knowing how to read graphs is important. Because graphs help us 1) visualize trends, 2) identify outliers, 3) make predictions

• ​When we look at a graph we use specific terms to describe the relationship between variables that we see: direct, inverse, and flat (or constant).

​The dependent variable is always on the y-axis!

​Measurements

• ​When we are in the lab, knowing how to use measuring instruments is very important.

• ​Two important rules apply:

  • ​Always measure at the bottom of the meniscus

  • ​Always estimate to one digit beyond the max precision of the implement