The scientific method is a procedure consisting of a series of steps with the goal of problem-solving and information-gathering. The scientific method begins with the recognition of a problem and a clear elaboration or description of the problem itself. A process of experimentation and data collection then follows. The final steps consist of the formulation and testing of a hypothesis or potential solution and conclusion. For people unaccustomed to using the scientific method, the process may seem abstract and unapproachable. With a little consideration and observation, any problem encountered in daily life is a potential possibility to use the scientific method.
The scientific method is best suited to solving problems without direct or simple answers. For example, a light bulb that burns out may simply need to be replaced. A light bulb that works intermittently is a much more suitable candidate for use of the scientific method, because of all of the potential causes of it not working.
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Locate or identify a problem to solve. Your personal environment is a good place to start, either in the workplace, the home, or your town or city.
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Describe the problem in detail. Make quantifiable observations, such as number of times of occurrence, duration, specific physical measurements, and so on.
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Form a hypothesis about what the possible cause of the problem might be, or what a potential solution could be. Check if the previously collected data suggests a pattern or possible cause.
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Test your hypothesis either through further observation of the problem or by creating an experiment that highlights the aspect of the problem you wish to test. For example, if you suspect a faulty wire is the cause of a light not working, you must find a way to isolate and test whether or not the wire is actually the cause.
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Repeat the steps of observation, hypothesis formation and testing until you reach a conclusion that is reinforced by supporting data or directly solves the problem at hand.
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NEED HELP!! Scientific Method in "everyday life"...
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shaunna11Posts: 1Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2012 6:51 amOccupation: studentProject Question: How does the Sun's rays affect the Earth's hemisphere?Project Due Date: March 20, 2012Project Status: I am just starting
NEED HELP!! Scientific Method in "everyday life"...
Our teacher asked us to come up with a way
the scientific method can be used in everyday life and it must NOT include science stuff.. like chemical reactions exc....
It must contain qualitative data and quantitative data so that it is all fact and NO opinions.. i need help... need idea by the 20th of March...
I am a junior and my mind is totally blank currently.
audreylnExpertPosts: 211Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2010 7:28 amOccupation: Engineer - ChemicalProject Question: n/aProject Due Date: n/aProject Status: Not applicable
Re: NEED HELP!! Scientific Method in "everyday life"...
Post by audreyln » Fri Mar 16, 2012 8:24 am
The
scientific method involves developing a hypothesis [what you think might happen], testing your hypothesis [trying it out], and analyzing the results [did it work]. We go through this decision process CONSTANTLY in our daily lives but don't think about it as the scientific method.
So ideas that come to my mind:
- Do you play video games? Many modern video games require trial and error and the player to guess at what they are supposed to do next. Your hypothesis might be something
like "if I open this door then I will get to the treasure." You would then test your hypothesis by opening the door and then analyze your results based on what happened ["there was a monster behind the door, opening it did not get me to the treasure"].
- Do you bake? When determining how long to bake cookies, for example, you are using the scientific method. Your hypothesis might be something like "if I bake a batch of cookies for 10 minutes then they will be perfectly cooked." You would
then test your hypothesis by baking the cookies for 10 minutes and then checking on their progress. You would then analyze your results based on how they look after 10 minutes ["the cookies are burnt, it took less than 10 minutes to bake them" or "the cookies are perfectly cooked after 10 minutes"].
Hopefully these examples can help you brainstorm some of your own ideas. I'm sure you can think of other everyday activities that you subconsciously use the scientific method in.
Audrey
GoldenzenithFormer Student ExpertPosts: 117Joined: Sun Sep 11, 2011 6:14 amOccupation: Student: 12th gradeProject Question: n/aProject Due Date: n/aProject Status: Not applicable
Re: NEED HELP!! Scientific Method in "everyday life"...
Post by Goldenzenith » Sat Mar 17, 2012 9:37 pm
Hello,
shaunna11,
Audrey has provided some good examples! Another case, albeit less sophisticated, that comes to mind is trying to determine how long it takes to wake up without an alarm clock. Suppose I hypothesize that I wake up an hour later than if I had decided to set my alarm. Then I would actually test it out for many days [trials], and either reject or support my hypothesis with my findings after having recorded them.
No matter what example you end up choosing, it should
exemplify how we as humans are constantly observing, asking questions, experimenting, and trying to explain certain phenomena, however big or small. Keep that in mind and I'm sure the ideas will come flooding in!
Hope this helped,
RM
Need an idea or some inspiration?
//www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas.shtml
Want to read up on awesome projects and science/math-related news?
//www.sciencebuddies.org/blog/index.php
Enjoy!
-RM, Expert
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