What is science Science is process of thinking

What is science?

Science is… • process of thinking, observing, & studying our world by using the scientific method to gain knowledge, answer questions, & solve problems! • Experiments = Evidence!

Questions to Consider! � Will science provide answers to all our questions? Why? � What is science limited by?

Question Activity � One question that can be answered by biology/science? & � One question that can not be answers by biology/science?

Steps of the Scientific Method Identify a Problem 2. Gathering Information 3. Make a Hypothesis 4. Perform an Experiment 5. Analyze results 6. Draw Conclusions 7. Repeat & Communicate 1.

Scientific Method � Step 1 �Identify a problem �Example: My car will not start. � Step 2 �Gather information �Example: lights will not turn on, key turns but engine makes a funny noise ○ Observation vs. Inference

Lesson Closure – Exit Ticket Today’s objective was to start to identify & discuss the important parts & purpose of the scientific method. � What are some important parts of the scientific method? � Why are observations important in science?

Steps of the Scientific Method Identify a Problem 2. Gathering Information 3. Make a Hypothesis 4. Perform an Experiment 5. Analyze results 6. Draw Conclusions 7. Repeat & Communicate 1.

Scientific Method � Step 3: Make a hypothesis ○ prediction about what you think is going to happen in an experiment �Specific to an experiment �Testable �If, then format

Example: Fish are dying in a pond. (problem). We investigate the pond & find it is near a housing development, highway, and a farm. (info) We predict that fertilizer from the lawns of the houses & the farm is washing into the pond and killing the fish.

How could we test these questions? �Does cigarette smoking increases the risk of lung cancer? �Can eating breakfast increases performance in school? �How could we raise school spirit? What would your hypothesis be?

Scientific Method � Step 4: Perform an experiment �Test the hypothesis! �Planned out Procedure �Collect Data (observations)

Procedure Activity � 2 Notes Cards �Draw a simple picture on one note card. �On the other card, write a procedure to explain to someone else how to draw the same exact picture. � Pair Up �Using the procedure only, see if your partner can draw your picture. �Hint: don’t tell them what it is!

Scientific Method � Step 5 Analyze the Data �What does the data mean? �Identify relationships

Analyze • Q: What does this data say? • A: As temperature increases, dissolved oxygen decreases Temperature (0 C) 20 Dissolved Oxygen (ppm) 30 33 40 29 50 15 60 10 45

Steps of the Scientific Method Identify a Problem 2. Gathering Information 3. Make a Hypothesis 4. Perform an Experiment 5. Analyze results 6. Draw Conclusions 7. Repeat & Communicate 1.

Scientific Method � Step 6: Draw conclusions �My data did support my hypothesis that… Or… �My data did not support my hypothesis that…

What would your conclusion be? • Hypothesis If maintenance increases the number of recycling cans in the lunch room, then the amount of trash will decrease. • Data: # of recycling cans Amount of trash (tons) 2 3 4 5 6 250 200 150 149

Last is to… � Repeat ◦ Why would this be important?

� Variables Contr olled Expe rimen t! �Only want to change one factor at a time! Why? �Constants: variables you keep the same �Independent vs. Dependent variables �Control Group � Collect Data �Qualitative vs. Quantitative

You want to know what color flowers butterflies like best. You choose an area you know is naturally inhabited by butterflies. You plant 6 rows of flowers, each row a different color of the same type of flower. Twice a day, each day (morning & evening) you add up the number of butterflies found on each different color of flowers. � What is your independent variable? � What is your dependent variable? � What are your constants?

Results of Science � Scientific Theory �explanation that has been supported by many experiments ○ Makes Predictions ○ Has lots of evidence to support those predictions ○ Is constantly being tested!