Scientific Questions that CAN NOT be answered by

Scientific Questions that CAN NOT be answered by science What makes something art? What makes certain artwork “beautiful”? How much is this piece of artwork “worth”? Questions that CAN be answered by science What materials should be used to make artwork that will last a long time? Which type of chemical reactions make the pigments used for paint?

The Scientific Method prove anything. The mindset in Scientists do NOT “_____” evidence to scientific research is to collect enough ______ disprove as many explanations as possible so that we can be data _______ supports the only confident that the _____ reasonable explanation left. Contrary to popular belief, there NO single “SCIENTIFIC METHOD”. Actually, science is _____ uses a variety methods that are used in very dynamic _____and _____, yet _________ creative reproducible ways. _____ Reliable and ____ valid scientific reasoning is the use of evidence when making inferences ______ and conclusions.

Independent Variable The part of the experiment that “I” the scientist change on purpose Control IV causes a DV effect Dependent Variable “Depends” on the IV The result The information that you measure or record 4 Parts of Scientific Experimental Design Used for comparison! Constants Stay the same throughout Constants reduce error

Structure of a Hypothesis testable prediction A hypothesis is a ______________ based on science knowledge or background research. result [DV] action [IV] then _________ If _________ reasoning[research]. because _______________

Let’s Analyze and Critique An Experiment Turn & Talk: Make at least 3 critiques Record your critiques on the handout

Let’s Analyze and Critique An Experiment Some critiques of this experimental design • “Best” is not a specific. It could mean the biggest, fastest, most nutrients, reddest, greatest number of tomatoes per plant, most tasteful, and more. It seems like the student may actually be after which grows the “tallest”, but it is unclear. • Planting only 1 seed is not reliable! In study such as this MANY seeds would be needed to adjust for many potential sources of error. Even more than multiple seeds per pot, many more pots for each of the fertilizers would be a more valid experimental design. • The biggest problem with this experiment is that the student gives the seeds all 3 kinds of fertilizer in each pot. This is completely invalid because there is more there is no clear separation of test groups for the independent variable. If all three fertilizers are applied to all plants there is no way to investigate which fertilizer is or is not having an effect on the plants. • 7 days is not even enough time to measure seed germination (how long it takes them to sprout from the seed) for most species of plants. An experiment like this would take weeks, if not months.