EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Definition:

Experimental Design is a process that provides students with experiences that are necessary for successfully designing an experiment and reporting their findings. It is an effective method for teaching students that designing an experiment begins with concrete investigations of phenomena that will enable them to quickly manipulate materials and see results.

Basic Components of Experimental Design:

· Generate question

· Form hypothesis

· Independent variable (what changed)

· Dependent variable (what happened as a result of the change)

· Control

· Constant (what remained the same)

· Repeated trials

· Reporting out

When to Use:

· Create learning environments that encourage students’ understanding of the scientific endeavor

· Prepare a scientifically literate citizenry

· Prepare students to leave school with a level of scientific understanding that is essential for carrying out their duties as citizens and for being productive members of the American and global economics.

· To encourage a more active problem-solving approach to learning and thinking

· To apply math skills

Resource:

Practical Strategies for Science Classrooms and Competitions. Iowa: Kendall and Hunt Publishing Company.