1. Science is…
a method that humans use to organize and explain the natural world

2. “Kinds” of Science Pure Science –
-the study of science alone – not including its relations to other subjects
Applied Science –
-applying scientific knowledge to practical problems
Example:
Pure Science- studying the human eye and vision
Applied Science- (technology), designing glasses or lenses

3. Science is…
The study of both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the world: Quantitative = quantities (how much) Qualitative = descriptives (like color, texture, etc…)

4. Science… Tries to answer the questions of
what, where, how, why and when
using the
Scientific Method

5. Scientific Method
Is a blend of creative and critical thinking processes with problem solving techniques
Procedure that scientists use to carry out research

6. 1st Step of the Scientific Method Make observation
Observations lead to the formulation of a question or a problem that needs solving
Observations can be quantitative and qualitative
Recognize any patterns, may collect data and organize it
Leads to the formulation of a question or a problem that needs solving.
Make sure there is only one problem being studied

7. Research the Problem Look up everything you can on your topic
Visit your library or go on the internet
Conduct personal interviews
Search for references (magazines, journals, books, newspapers articles) that have been written about the topic you are interested in

8. 2nd Step of the Scientific Method Form a hypothesis
An educated guess
Formulate reasonable explaination for these observations
What do you think might happen?
A hypothesis must be a testable statement upon which the experiements are based

9. 3rd Step of the Scientific Method
Experimentation
Experiment = a systematic test of variables
Designed and conducted to test the hypothetical answers
Be sure to include a control trial to provide a basis for comparison
Control is the trial in which the condition being tested is omitted

10. Experimentation
Will also have the variables which you will be collecting data on and observing
Variables = conditions that you change between the various trials in your experiment

11. Experimentation Develop and conduct a controlled experiment
Test one variable at a time
Qualitative vs. quantitative data
Quantitative - Collection of numerical data
Ex. Collecting height and weight data of all students in this class
Qualitative - Descriptive
Use of observational data or written descriptions of what scientists observe
Useful when qualitative data collection is not appropriate
Ex. Study of how gorillas behave

12. Components of a Controlled Experiment
A. Control setup
Setup in which all conditions are kept the same
B. Experimental setup
Setup in which all conditions are kept the same except for the one being tested
C. Independent variable
The condition (variable) being changed by you
D. Dependent variable
The condition (variable) being observed or measured in the experiment

13. Experimentation Conduct the experiments
Keep notes, records of all observations
May be short time frame or may take a long period of time depending on what you are trying to prove.
The experiments will provide the data that will be analyzed to determine if your hypothesis is valid

14. Data Data will be collected
Data will be organized in tables or charts and graphs
Evaluate the data to see if the hypothesis is valid

15. For an experiment to be valid:
Must be set up so they are not biased toward any one answer
Must be repeated so that all experiements lead to the same results.

16. Hypothesis not correct
Sometimes experiments disprove the hypothesis
Scientists might either reject original hypothesis and formulate a new one OR
Revise the original hypothesis
Process is repeated until hypothesis is proven, then results are expressed as a conclusion

17. 4th Step of the Scientific Method Formulate a conclusion
Summary of the results of the experiment.
This may or may not support the hypothesis
In the research world of science the conclusion may be presented as a Theory or Law depending upon the type of results collected.

18. Theory Tested model that explains a natural phenomenon
However it cannot be proven absolutely correct!
It is the best explanation based on experimental evidence
May change w/advances in science
Examples: Theory of Evolution, Big Bang Theory

19. Law Expression of a consistent pattern in nature.
Something that always occurs under a certain set of conditions
Sometimes are developed from theories.
May also change depending on advances in science
Examples: Law of Conservation of Energy, Law of Conservation of Matter, Law of Gravity

20. An example of the scientific method: Let's say I have a problem: My car won't start. How would I use the scientific method to solve this problem?  
Purpose: I want my car to start
Hypothesis: If I put gas in my car, it will start.
Materials: 5 gallon gas can, 5 gallons gasoline, money to buy gasoline, a ride to the gas station
Procedure: First, I will call my friend Bill and ask for a ride to the gas station. I will take the five gallon gas can and fill it with five gallons of gasoline at the pump. After paying the gas station owner for the gasoline, I will get a ride back to my car and put the gasoline in the tank. Once the gasoline is in the tank, I will attempt to restart the car.
Results: The car started on the first try.
Conclusion: When I put gas in my car, it started.

21. Observation - you see something (say an ant on a kitchen table) Question - (you ask, "Why is it there") Hypothesis - you propose a reason (he's searching for food) Experiment - you put food where he can reach it What could be the results and conclusion?

22. Mice came from the moldy grain.
Observation: In many parts of Europe, medieval farmers stored grain in barns with thatched roofs (like Shakespeare’s house). As a roof aged, it was not uncommon for it to start leaking. This could lead to spoiled or moldy grain, and of course there were lots of mice around.
Hypothesis:
Mice came from the moldy grain.
It was obvious to them that the mice came from the moldy grain …

23. Proves hypothesis valid Proves hypothesis invalid Revise hypothesis
Make observations
Look for patterns
Collect preliminary
Data
Propose an Hypothesis
Gather and organize
Data
Analyze the data
Design an Experiment
Proves hypothesis valid
Proves hypothesis invalid
Revise hypothesis
State a Conclusion
Law
Theory

24. The SCIE 0900 Plant Project? What is it exactly?

25. Research Project
Implement Scientific Method
Collaborate with 1 or 2 lab partners
Everyone will work together to compete the experiment – HOWEVER everyone will do their own research and submit their own report.

26. Each lab group will be assigned a problem and the variable to be tested
Each lab group will build planters, set them up and care for them while the plants grow
Each individual is responsible for working with lab partners to collect and record all qualitative and quantitative data.

27. Bottle planter set-ups have already been prepared for you

28. Saturate wick with water and then thread wick through the hole in the cap
Fill top half with soil
Fill bottom half with distilled water
Plant seeds
Lightly cover w/saran wrap
Don’t forget to record what you are doing!!

29. What are the experiments that you might do?
Water Pollution (of soap)
Gravitropism
Phototropism
Salt Pollution
Nitrogen
Acidity
ALL of the problem has been designed for you and the variables identified.

30. All planters will be kept on the plant cart in the lab.
The lights will be on 24-7
Please use care when handling your planters.
Try not to disturb the neighboring planters.

31. Potential Problems: Planters may dry out Planters may tip over
Solutions were made up incorrectly

32. Results….

33. Plant Project Assignment
Plant Project Homework page
Submit the following for review:
purpose
hypothesis
variable
control
Background
Copies of resources you use
(no fewer than 3)
Remember to cite your resources (we will go over how to do this)