Scientific Inquiry and Laboratory Experiments Scientific Method includes

Scientific Inquiry and Laboratory Experiments

§ Scientific Method includes: § Observing and stating a problem § Forming a hypothesis § Design and test an experiment § Recording and analysing data § Forming a conclusion § Replicating the work

§ Observations versus Inferences § Observation: the act of noticing using our FIVE senses

§ Qualitative Observations: Observations that include descriptive information (five senses). § The solution changed from a blue to red colour. § Quantitative Observations: Observations that include numbers to help describe the data. § There was 10 m. L of solution at the end of the experiment.

§ Inference: to guess by reasoning (based on our observations)

q. Types of Scientific Inquiry § § § Observational Studies Correlational Studies Controlled Experiments

• Observational Study § To study and observe an object or phenomenon in its natural environment. § You simply observe and do not control/manipulate any variables. § Example: Noel wants to learn more about the behavioural patterns of seahorses.

• Correlational Studies § § A relationship between two variables. Positive Correlation: an increase in one variable relates to an increase in other variable § Example: When I study, I do better on tests § When I practice dance, I get better § Negative Correlation: an increase in one variable causes a decrease in another § Example: The more Susan smokes, the less physically fit she becomes § The more time I spend on Facebook, the lower my grades

• Controlled Experiment § You have control of the set up in the experiment § Variable: any condition that can change in an investigation/experiment (factor) § Independent Variable: The variable that “you” change during the investigation/experiment § Dependent Variable: The variable that changes as a response to the independent variable (it depends on what you changed earlier) § Controlled variables: The other variables that are kept constant, and stay the same throughout the experiment

§ Example: Emma and Laura want to know which straightener works better. § Independent Variable: The brand/type of straightener § Dependent variable: How straight their hair was after using the straightener (result) § Controlled variables: shampoo, hairspray, brush and technique used ALL stayed the same

§ Another example: Noah and Anthony want to determine which soccer ball they can kick the farthest § Independent variable: type of ball § Dependent variable: how far they can kick the ball (result) § Controlled variables: boots/soccer cleats, amount of air in the ball, time of day, wind conditions.