SCIENTIFIC METHOD

Prepared by:

GLADYS GRACE B. BORJA

Science Teacher
 OBJECTIVES
• Describe the components of the scientific method
• Follow the steps of the scientific method and
perform experiments using it.
 SCIENTIFIC METHOD
• a systematic process of empirical investigation
• It is the key to unlock the bodies of knowledge by
helping the researcher in organizing his or her
thoughts and procedures and making him or her
confident of the findings from the expirements
 COMPONENTS OF A SCIENTIFIC
INVESTIGATION
1. Statement of the Problem
-You should have existing knowledge of the problem

This part answers the following questions:

What questions do you have about your topic?
What do you want to know?
EXAMPLE
How does fertilizer
affect the growth of
plants?
2. Formulation of Hypothesis
Hypothesis-simple statement that presents the
possible solution to the problem. It can be tested,
and it is based on knowledge and research.
Hypothesis may be stated in two ways:
 a. Null Hypothesis (Ho)-states that no relationship
between variables
Example: The fertilizer DOES NOT affect the growth of
plants
b. Alternative hypothesis (Ha)-states a relationship
between variables
Example: There is significant relationship between the
growth of plants and the use of fertilizer
Ha2 : There is a negative relationship between A and
B
(Less A is involved, the better B)
Ha3 There is a positive relationship between A and
B.
(More B is involved, the better A)
3. Testing Hypothesis and Gathering of Data
Experiments-a set of manipulations or specific
observations of nature, and it is considered the most
important part of the scientific method.
Three Types of Experiments
1. Controlled Experiment-the observer tests the
hypothesis by looking for changes brought by
alteration to a variable
Variable- a characteristic, number, or quantity that
increases or decreases over time or takes different values
in different situations.
a. Controlled variables-variables that are kept constant.
b. Independent variables-factors that you change or alter
during the experiment.
c. Dependent variables-variables that you observe. and
they are considered the response to an independent
variable
 2. Natural experiments or quasi-experiments-Here, the
observer does not manipulate any variable but simply
collects all the possible data to determine the factors
affecting a particular phenomenon.

3. Field experiment-named to draw a contrast with

laboratory experiments. It examines the real world using
scientific method.
Example: Political sciences, economics, and psychology
Prediction
• a forecast of future events based on past
observations.

Example: The plants will grow faster and stronger,

depending on the amount of fertilizers applied to
them
 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
A. Gather the materials
B. Step-by-step procedure in carrying out the experiment
C. Identify all the possible variables which can interfere with the
experiment.
D. Fair testing
Control Group-part of the experiment without the variable
being tested
Experimental setup-part that contains the variable being tested
Topic: Does the fertilizer affect the growth of plants?
Hypothesis: Fertilizers have an effect on the growth of plants. Plants with
the fertilizers will grow bigger
A group of pupils tested the effect of fertilizer on the growth of
plants. They used six plants that are all 15cm tall. They grouped
the plants into two: Group A and Group B. They watered the plants
in Group A with 200 mL of plain water and 200 mL of fertilizer
solution in Group B. They watered the plants twice a week with
the same amount of water and exposed them to the same amount
of sunlight. After three weeks, they measured the growth of the
plants in each group.
4. Analyzing and Presenting Data
Data obtained from experiments should be analyzed and
presented systematically. The data may be presented using a table
for easy interpretation.
5. Creating Conclusion-a summary of the results of the
experiment and statement of how the results match up to the
hypothesis.

Options: Reject the hypothesis

Accept the hypothesis
Theory-a scientifically accepted fact
Scientific Law-a statement or principle that is universally
accepted
6. Reporting of Findings- this stage is
important in perpetuating the body of
knowledge gained in conducting the scientific
method.
 Magnifying Truth Using the Scientific
Method
• Scientific method is a potent tool that helps man to magnify
truth about the things around him.
• As we go on with our lives, we face situations that require us to
really probe and prove the truth. Do not be afraid to execute the
scientific method as long as you do it in a fair manner. Your
work will definitely benefit not only your contemporaries but
more importantly the future generation.
Quiz #1: Tara’s Experiment
In Tara’s experiment with the magnet, she
measured and recorded the data in the Table below.

Based on these data, Tara wrote this conclusion:

“Magnets get stronger at cooler temperatures, but

only down to 4°C. Below 4°C, the strength of
magnets does not change.

Do you agree with Tara’s conclusion? Why or why

not? Suggest an alternative explanation for the
data.
 PERFORMANCE TASK #1
• Students will choose at least 3 different liquids like
rainwater, tap water, saltwater, and even soda to use in
watering their plants. Record the observation