Introduction to Science The Scientific Method F Ishmael

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Introduction to Science: The Scientific Method F. Ishmael Science

Introduction to Science: The Scientific Method F. Ishmael Science

What is Science? n The knowledge obtained by observing natural events and conditions in

What is Science? n The knowledge obtained by observing natural events and conditions in order to discover facts and formulate laws or principles that can be verified or tested.

What is the Scientific Method? n n n n n Step-by-step way in which

What is the Scientific Method? n n n n n Step-by-step way in which scientists answer questions. 1. Ask a question. 2. Research the topic. 3. Form a hypothesis. 4. Test the Hypothesis. 5. Gather Data. 6. Analyze Results. 7. Draw Conclusions. 8. Communicate Results.

State the Problem/Questions n n n The problem identifies what you want to find

State the Problem/Questions n n n The problem identifies what you want to find out. Develop a clear statement defining the problem Make sure your problem is narrowed/specific enough State the problem in the form of a question: How does _____ affect _______?

Research n n Write down all information you already know Do research in books

Research n n Write down all information you already know Do research in books on the topic you are investigating Ask experts on the subject you are researching If you find an answer to your problem/question you do not need to move on

What is a hypothesis? An explanation that is based on prior scientific research or

What is a hypothesis? An explanation that is based on prior scientific research or observations and that can be tested. n “If (IV) then (DV) because” Statement n

How do you test a hypothesis? n Develop a test to support or not

How do you test a hypothesis? n Develop a test to support or not support your hypothesis. (This is your experiment). Must be run multiple times n Must have only 1 independent variable (the factor being tested n Must include 2 setups n n Experimental n Control setup

How do you test a hypothesis? n Use a Controlled Experiment n n Control

How do you test a hypothesis? n Use a Controlled Experiment n n Control Group n n An experiment that tests only one factor at a time by using a comparison of a control group and an experimental group. The group that the scientist changes nothing in. The Control group is used for comparison. Experimental Group n The group that the scientist has changed something. It is the variable in the experiment where you want to see how this condition affects something.

What is a variable? n n n A variable is something that can change,

What is a variable? n n n A variable is something that can change, either naturally or on purpose. In an experiment it is a factor that is different from one group to another. Independent variable n n It is what the scientist (I) change on purpose. It is the cause. I Know Ahead of Time (AKA manipulated or test) Dependent Variable n The result of what I changed. It is the effect. What I am looking for or measuring (AKA responding or outcome)

What are constants? n They are what the scientist kept the same in both

What are constants? n They are what the scientist kept the same in both the control group and the experimental group.

How can you gather data? n Make Observations. n n Any use of the

How can you gather data? n Make Observations. n n Any use of the senses to gather information. Qualitative Observations (LETTERS) Anything that you see, smell, touch, taste, or hear. n Ex. Blue, bitter, fizzing sound. n n Quantitative Observations (NUMBERS) Any observation that can be measured. n Must include a number. n Ex. 5 centimeters long n

How can you analyze results to determine patterns? n n Record Data n Write

How can you analyze results to determine patterns? n n Record Data n Write observations and measurements n Be consistent when you are checking your experiments and recording the results n Create tables or charts (Data Tables and Pie Charts) Create graphs from collected Data (Line Graphs, Bar Graphs) n Complete all necessary mathematical calculations

A graph is a visual representation of the data. Outcome(dependent) variable here Test (independent)

A graph is a visual representation of the data. Outcome(dependent) variable here Test (independent) variable here

Data Collection: Graphs and Charts When creating a graph remember: DRY D- Dependent R-

Data Collection: Graphs and Charts When creating a graph remember: DRY D- Dependent R- Responding Y- Y-axis MIX M- Manipulated I- Independent X – X-axis TAILS T – Title A – axis I – intervals L – labels S - scales

How can you draw conclusions? n Answer the following questions in paragraph form (Always

How can you draw conclusions? n Answer the following questions in paragraph form (Always explain in detail using scientific vocabulary. ): Do your results/data support your hypothesis? Why or why not? n What are ways you can improve your data? n What would you do differently if you were to repeat the experiment? n

What is in a conclusion? You restate the purpose of your experiment n You

What is in a conclusion? You restate the purpose of your experiment n You indicate what the results were. Use numbers!!!!! Example: “On average after 3 trials, ……. ” n You explain why those results were given. Here you think about what you found out in your research. n You consider any improvements to your procedure. This is error analysis. n You ask a new question – what do you n

How would you communicate results? n n Share data and information with others, such

How would you communicate results? n n Share data and information with others, such as scientists. Publish your findings in a book, magazine, journal, the internet.

Replication vs. Repetition is when the same scientist completes multiple trials to limit the

Replication vs. Repetition is when the same scientist completes multiple trials to limit the bias of experiment.

Replication vs. Repetition Replication is when a different scientist completes the experiment by following

Replication vs. Repetition Replication is when a different scientist completes the experiment by following the procedures. Replication is done to get same/similar results which create the validity of experiment.

PRACTICE Can you explain the difference between repetition and replication and identify their role

PRACTICE Can you explain the difference between repetition and replication and identify their role in a controlled experiment? Which picture below represents replication and which represents repetition? Repetition – same scientist Replication – different scientist

Why would a scientist use repetition in an experiment? To verify the accuracy of

Why would a scientist use repetition in an experiment? To verify the accuracy of results of the experiment. To find possible flaws in their experiment Why would a scientist replicate an experiment? So scientists can check to see if a controlled experiment was conducted and that good scientific practices were used. For validity This is called peer review

b o t h

b o t h

Let’s try! n n n Six bean plants are to be tested to see

Let’s try! n n n Six bean plants are to be tested to see what happens if light is taken away. The all have the same type of container, the same amount of soil, and they will receive the same amount of water. Three will be placed in a sunlit window and 3 will be placed in a dark closet for 2 weeks. 1. What is the question? 2. Research. 3. Form a Hypothesis. 4. Test your hypothesis.

Let’s try continued… n n n n 4 a. What is the control group?

Let’s try continued… n n n n 4 a. What is the control group? 4 b. What is the experimental group? 4 c. What is the independent variable? 4 d. What is the dependent variable? 4 e. What are the constants? 5. Gather data. 5 a. What are some Qualitative observations you can make? 5 b. What are some quantitative observations you can make?

Let’s try continued…again. 6. Analyze results. n 6 a. How can you show your

Let’s try continued…again. 6. Analyze results. n 6 a. How can you show your results? n 7. Draw Conclusions? n 7 a. How do you write a conclusion paragraph? n

What are scientific models? n Model n A representation of an object or system.

What are scientific models? n Model n A representation of an object or system. n Physical Models n Mathematical Models n Conceptual Models

What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law? n Theory

What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law? n Theory n n n An explanation that ties together many hypotheses and observations. Supported by repeated trials. May help with further predictions. Tells why it happens. Can change if new evidence is found that doesn’t support it n Law n n A summary of many experimental results and observations. Tells how things work Only tells what happens, it does not explain why. Does not change