The Scientific Process Asking Scientific Questions and Interpreting

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The Scientific Process, Asking Scientific Questions, and Interpreting Data

The Scientific Process, Asking Scientific Questions, and Interpreting Data

Scientific Investigation -- Part 1 Observation • Scientific investigations generally begin with observations –

Scientific Investigation -- Part 1 Observation • Scientific investigations generally begin with observations – Statements often begin (or could begin with) with “I notice …”

Scientific Investigation -- Part 2 Asking Questions • The observation is generally followed by

Scientific Investigation -- Part 2 Asking Questions • The observation is generally followed by a question – Statement could start with “I wonder …” – Question has to be testable in order to be a scientific question

Scientific Questions What questions could you ask about these cats?

Scientific Questions What questions could you ask about these cats?

Scientific Investigation -- Part 3 Hypothesis Formation • The question can be followed by

Scientific Investigation -- Part 3 Hypothesis Formation • The question can be followed by a hypothesis, but it doesn’t have to be – the hypothesis is a possible explanation or answer to the question

Scientific Investigation -- Part 4 Data Collection • When you have a question, you

Scientific Investigation -- Part 4 Data Collection • When you have a question, you need to come up with a way to collect data to address the question – Collect data from the field or conduct experiments

Using the “Right” Data • It is important that the data that you use

Using the “Right” Data • It is important that the data that you use are: – the same kind (measure the same thing) – similar collection methods (or you have some way to deal with the differences) – use as much data as possible (but it all needs to be appropriate) – use the data that best addresses your question

Scientific Investigation -- Part 5 Data Interpretation • Usually involves visualizing data – a.

Scientific Investigation -- Part 5 Data Interpretation • Usually involves visualizing data – a. k. a graphing the data • Then interpreting what you see

Data Interpretation Off Shore Chlorophyll Concentration In Shore Chlorophyll Concentration How would you interpret

Data Interpretation Off Shore Chlorophyll Concentration In Shore Chlorophyll Concentration How would you interpret these graphs?

Scientific Investigation – Part 6 Drawing Conclusions • After you have examined and interpreted

Scientific Investigation – Part 6 Drawing Conclusions • After you have examined and interpreted your data, you have to draw conclusions that relate back to the original question and/or hypothesis – may provide answers or may show that the hypothesis was invalid

Scientific Investigation – Part 7 Starting the Process Over! • Most questions and conclusions

Scientific Investigation – Part 7 Starting the Process Over! • Most questions and conclusions generally lead to new questions! • Learning one new piece of information is often the basis for starting to find the next piece.