Scientific Process Jennifer Taylor EDC Science K8 What

Scientific Process Jennifer Taylor EDC Science K-8

What is Science? Science is a PROCESS. Ø Science is the process of: Ø l l l Ø OBSERVING Asking Questions and LEARNING about the world around you. This process is called: The Scientific Method.

Who is a Scientist? Ø A scientist is someone who: l l l OBSERVES ASK QUESTIONS MAKES PREDICTIONS TESTS their PREDICTIONS DRAWS CONCLUSIONS based on their RESULTS

Scientist or Not? Plumber Ø Electrician Ø Doctor Ø Cook Ø Toddler learning to Walk Ø Winnie the Pooh Ø

When are we ever going to use Science? EVERY MINUTE OF EVERYDAY!!! !!!!

Scientific Method 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Problem Hypothesis Experiment Results Conclusion Application

Problem Ø Ask a question you can answer by performing an experiment. l l Ø Example: Which snack will not melt in my backpack by lunch time? Example: Which soap will kill the most bacteria? The problem has to be testable it can not be an opinion question. l Non-Example: Which birds are pretty?

Hypothesis “Educated Guess” Ø This needs to be statement that is your prediction of what will happen. Ø Remember it is an educated guess, so give a reason why you feel that your hypothesis is true. Ø For Example: I predict that the chocolate snack will melt in my backpack before the lollipop. I have found from my past experiences that …. . Therefore, …. Ø

Experiment Materials: What you use. Include metric units. Ø Procedure: Tests the hypothesis. Ø Should be written in steps not paragraph form. Ø 1. 2. Make sure it is accurate by repeating or using large experimental groups. Ø Needs to have a control, independent variable and a dependent variable. Ø

What is a Control Group? Control group- group that is the “normal condition”. Used to compare to the experimental group. ** You do not do anything to the control group but observe and compare it to the test group. 1. Ex: What battery will keep a flashlight shining the longest? Control Group: no batteries

Variables Ø Variable – part of the experiment that changes. Two Kinds: 1. Independent Variable – the group “I” change or “I” control. Your test group. 2. Dependent Variable – this group’s change depends on what “I changed.

Independent VS. Dependent Variables Problem#1: Which type of fertilizer will grow grass taller? Independent Variable: type of fertilizers Dependent Variable: how tall it grows Problem#2: Does the size of a meteor determine the size of a crater? Independent Variable: size of the meteor Dependent Variable: size of the crater

You Try! Problem#1: Which hair gel will hold up my spiked hair the longest? Problem # 2: Which brand of popcorn will pop the most kernels? Problem #3: Which brand of diapers will hold the most water?

Results Ø This can be data, graphs, tables, pictures, etc. . Ø There should not be a conclusion drawn here! Ø Remember to label all forms of data.

Conclusion Ø Analyze your results here! Explain what it all means. Answer whether or not your hypothesis was supported. Ø Your conclusion should never be a yes or no answer. Your conclusion should be a few sentences.

Application Ø Although you may not leave a space for Application on your school labs it is still very important. Ø This is where you explain how your lab relates to the real world. Ø Give examples of how you would further this investigation.