One way to investigate an answer to a question (PROBLEM STATEMENT) is by doing an EXPERIMENT.

A true experiment involves VARIABLES.

In an experiment, scientists ask a question about how one variable (INDEPENDENT VARIABLE) affects another variable (DEPENDENT VARIABLE)

Some variables are held CONSTANT (they do not change during the experiment.

A HYPOTHESIS is made when there is a prediction about how the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE will affect the DEPENDENT VARIABLE. Then a PROCEDURE is developed to test the hypothesis.

The experiment must be REPEATED SEVERAL TIMES to be confident in the accuracy of the results.

The results of the experiment are recorded, frequently in a (DATA) TABLE, and then analyzed.

After the data is analyzed CONCLUSIONS can be drawn about the variables.

A hypothesis is NEVER right or wrong; it is SUPPORTED by the data or NOT SUPPORTED by the data.

Example: Does the color of a Tootsie Roll Pop affect how long it takes to get the chocolate center?

1. Identify the independent variable in this question.

2. Identify the dependent variable in this question.

3. Identify at least 3 constants for this question.

4. State a hypothesis for this question.

5. Write a procedure to test this hypothesis:

6. What materials will you need to conduct this investigation?

7. Design a data table to collect and display your results.

8. Analyze the data tables and graphs.

9. Make your own conclusions.