Scientific Method
"The scientific method of report writing, is used by scientists when planning and conducting experiments. This method is crucial for any experiment and students require an in depth understanding of each of the different elements, and how they work together."
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Scientific Method Song
Aim and HypothesisAn experiment should be conducted for a particular reason. A statement which explains what the experiment is attempting to achieve is known as an aim. The prediction that the scientist makes who is undertaking the experiment is known as the hypothesis. In this section you will learn how to construct both an aim and a hypothesis for an experiment.
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VariablesVariables are all the factors that may affect the experiment. Variables are susceptible to change and so must be identified. Some variables are kept the same throughout the experiment to ensure for a fair and accurate experiment (controlled variables). Other variables are changed (independent variable) and others are measured (dependent variable). In this section you will learn more about variables and their function in experiments.
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Equipment, Diagram and ProcedureWhen conducting an experiment you require certain equipment to be used in a particular order. In this section you will learn how to correctly list the equipment needed for the experiment, draw a scientific diagram and write up a procedure that follows a series of chronological steps.
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Recording and Representing ResultsExperiments produce results that need to be properly recorded and then displayed in visual graphs. It is important that students know how to record data from their experiments accurately. They must also be able to use the data to produce graphs to represent it visually.
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Conclusion and EvaluationAt the end of an experiment a conclusion is given summarising the results and relating it back to the hypothesis. An evaluation is also given on the effectiveness of the experiment. Students will need to learn how to use their results to explain if their hypothesis was correct or not. They must also learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of their experiment.
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