1. The Scientific Method The Scientific Method

2. What is Science? Study of the natural and physical world based on facts learned through experiment and observation. Study of the natural and physical world based on facts learned through experiment and observation.

3. Physical Science The scientific study of non-living matter. The scientific study of non-living matter. Chemistry Chemistry The study of composition, structure, properties and change of matter. The study of composition, structure, properties and change of matter. Physics Physics The study of matter, energy and the interaction between them. The study of matter, energy and the interaction between them.

4. Scientific Method Step-by-step way in which scientists answer questions. 1. Ask a question. 1. Ask a question. 2. Research the topic. 2. Research the topic. 3. Form a hypothesis. 3. Form a hypothesis. 4. Test the Hypothesis. 4. Test the Hypothesis. 5. Gather Data. 5. Gather Data. 6. Analyze Results. 6. Analyze Results. 7. Draw Conclusions. 7. Draw Conclusions. 8. Communicate Results. 8. Communicate Results.

5. 1. State the Problem/Ask a Question The problem identifies what you want to find out. Develop a clear statement defining the problem Make sure your problem is narrowed/specific enough. State the problem in the form of a question.

6. 2. Research Write down all information you already know Do research in books/internet on the topic you are investigating Record the information you discover

7. 3. Hypothesize An explanation that is based on prior scientific research or observations and that can be tested. An explanation that is based on prior scientific research or observations and that can be tested. “Educated Guess” “Educated Guess” “If… then… because” Statement “If… then… because” Statement

8. 4. Test Hypothesis Develop a test to support or not support your hypothesis. (This is your experiment). Will usually be run multiple times Must have only 1 independent variable (the factor being tested)

9. …test hypothesis continued Use a Controlled Experiment Use a Controlled Experiment An experiment that tests only one factor at a time by using a comparison of a control group and an experimental group. An experiment that tests only one factor at a time by using a comparison of a control group and an experimental group. Control Group Control Group The group that the scientist changes nothing in. The Control group is used for comparison. The group that the scientist changes nothing in. The Control group is used for comparison. Experimental Group Experimental Group The group that the scientist has changed something. It is the variable in the experiment where you want to see how this condition affects something. The group that the scientist has changed something. It is the variable in the experiment where you want to see how this condition affects something.

10. What is a variable? A variable is something that is able to change, either naturally or on purpose. A variable is something that is able to change, either naturally or on purpose. Independent Variables Independent Variables Dependent Variables Dependent Variables

12. Two Types of Variables Independent variables that are purposely changed or manipulated in an experiment variables that are purposely changed or manipulated in an experiment the factor that you wish to test the factor that you wish to test usually expressed after the word “if” in the hypothesis usually expressed after the word “if” in the hypothesis could be thought of as the “cause” in a cause and effect relationship could be thought of as the “cause” in a cause and effect relationshipExample The activity level (resting, walking, running) Dependent variables that may change as a result of the independent variable the factor you measure to gather results usually expressed after the word “then” in the hypothesis could be thought of as the “effect” in a cause and effect relationship Example The person’s heart rate

13. Identify the Variables 1. I f a student chooses to not study, then they will earn a poor grade. 2. I f you drink Gatorade before a soccer game, then you will score more goals. 3. I f you increase the mechanical advantage of a pulley system used to move an object, then the input force becomes less. independent variable dependent variable independent variable dependent variable independent variable dependent variable

14. What are constants? They are what the scientist kept the same in both the control group and the experimental group. They are what the scientist kept the same in both the control group and the experimental group.

15. 5. Gather Data Make Observations. Make Observations. Any use of the senses to gather information. Any use of the senses to gather information. Qualitative Observations Qualitative Observations Anything that you see, smell, touch, taste, or hear. Anything that you see, smell, touch, taste, or hear. Ex. Blue, bitter, fizzing sound. Ex. Blue, bitter, fizzing sound. Quantitative Observations Quantitative Observations Any observation that can be measured. Any observation that can be measured. Must include a number. Must include a number. Ex. 5 centimeters long Ex. 5 centimeters long Record Data Write observations and measurements Be consistent when you are checking your experiments and recording the results Data Tables and Pie Charts) Create tables or charts (Data Tables and Pie Charts)

16. Observe Yourself! Identify 5 qualitative and 5 quantitative facts about yourself. Identify 5 qualitative and 5 quantitative facts about yourself. QualitativeQuantitative

17. Observation vs. Inference Observation – what you notice Observation – what you notice Inference – reactions, thoughts or explanations. Inference – reactions, thoughts or explanations. Make one inference and one observation based off of the picture to the left.

18. 6. Analyze Results Line Graphs, Bar Graphs) Create graphs from collected Data (Line Graphs, Bar Graphs) Complete all necessary mathematical calculations

19. 7. Draw conclusions Answer the following questions in paragraph form (Always explain in detail using scientific vocabulary.): Answer the following questions in paragraph form (Always explain in detail using scientific vocabulary.): 4 Framework (purpose/hypothes is) The student response addresses and restates the hypothesis/problem and clearly supports or refutes it and explains the role of the test in making the decision. Conclusion Evidence ( data/observatio ns/ concepts/analys is/ evidence) The student response demonstrates clear connections between data, observations and concepts are consistently supported by specific evidence Error The student response identifies sources of error and explains effect on results. Writing The student response contains no errors in mechanics, grammar, and usage, and the meaning is clear. No first person is used. http://guides.lib.purdue.edu/conte nt.php?pid=232776&sid=1925925

20. What is in a conclusion? Restate the basics of your experiment, including what you were trying to accomplish or prove. (refer to the purpose and restate your hypothesis) Restate the basics of your experiment, including what you were trying to accomplish or prove. (refer to the purpose and restate your hypothesis) Reference some specific results (you do not have to give detail on every single result, but use some of them as examples in your explanation) Reference some specific results (you do not have to give detail on every single result, but use some of them as examples in your explanation) What flaws have occurred or could have occurred? Here, you want to state variables that could have impacted your results. What flaws have occurred or could have occurred? Here, you want to state variables that could have impacted your results. Sum it up! Sum up your conclusion and reveal whether your experiment supported or disproved your hypothesis. Sum it up! Sum up your conclusion and reveal whether your experiment supported or disproved your hypothesis. Implications! Use your results to explain how this experiment could be used in future studies or research (apply it to real life situations). Implications! Use your results to explain how this experiment could be used in future studies or research (apply it to real life situations). Read it out loud! You want to confirm that it all makes sense! Check your grammar and punctuation! Read it out loud! You want to confirm that it all makes sense! Check your grammar and punctuation!

21. Let’s try! After reading the story examine how the scientific method is used to solve the problem presented. Answer the questions in your notebook in complete sentences. 1. What is the problem? 1. What is the problem? 2. What is the hypothesis? 2. What is the hypothesis? 3. Describe how the experiment was set up? 3. Describe how the experiment was set up? 4. Which group was the control group? The experimental group? 4. Which group was the control group? The experimental group? Control:Experimental: Control:Experimental: 5. Why give that antibiotic to a small group of people first? 5. Why give that antibiotic to a small group of people first? 6. What is the independent variable in this experiment? (Which factor is being tested?) 6. What is the independent variable in this experiment? (Which factor is being tested?) Independent Variable: Independent Variable: 7. What is the dependent variable in this experiment? (Which factor is being measured/observed?) 7. What is the dependent variable in this experiment? (Which factor is being measured/observed?) Dependent Variable Dependent Variable 8. How could this experiment have been designed better? 8. How could this experiment have been designed better? Bonus: What is the reason for using a placebo? Bonus: What is the reason for using a placebo?

22. What is the difference between a scientific theory and a scientific law? Theory Theory An explanation that ties together many hypotheses and observations. An explanation that ties together many hypotheses and observations. Supported by repeated trials. Supported by repeated trials. May help with further predictions. May help with further predictions. Tells why it happens. Tells why it happens. Law A summary of many experimental results and observations. Tells how things work Only tells what happens, it does not explain why.