1. The Scientific Method Unit: 1

2. What is Science? Science is an organized way of using evidence to understand the natural world.Science is an organized way of using evidence to understand the natural world. What is the goal of science?What is the goal of science? –The goal of science is to better understand the world around us. Improve the quality of life.Improve the quality of life.

3. The Scientific Method Has six steps:Has six steps: –1.Observation (some sort of natural phenomenon). What you see normally happening.(uses senses)What you see normally happening.(uses senses) –2.Form a Hypothesis (educated possible guess) If…then… because.

4. The Scientific Method –3.Test (create your own experiment to test your hypothesis). –Your test setup must have Control group- A setup that shows the natural way your phenomenon was observed.Control group- A setup that shows the natural way your phenomenon was observed. Experimental group- A setup that tests your hypothesis, contains the variable.Experimental group- A setup that tests your hypothesis, contains the variable.

5. The Scientific Method Variable- The factor which has changed from control to experimental, it’s what tests your hypothesis.Variable- The factor which has changed from control to experimental, it’s what tests your hypothesis. –Independent variable- factor in an experiment that a scientist changes, also know as the manipulated variable –Dependent variable- factor that is measured or changes because of the Independent variable

6. The Scientific Method –4. Record & Analyze Data- Record and organize data so that it can be determined if your hypothesis is true. Two Types of DataTwo Types of Data –Quantitative ( numbers, measurements) –Qualitative (physical characteristics, changes) –5. Form a Conclusion- Decide if your hypothesis is correct. State why or why not.

7. Scientific Method Cont. –6. Repeat Work- Very important, helps to verify your results and your conclusion. *SHARE ALL results with others, the more your work is repeated the more reliable it becomes.

8. The Scientific Method Theory- A time tested concept.Theory- A time tested concept. –When your hypothesis has been tested to the point that it is unlikely to be disproved, it becomes theory. –The more a theory is tested (resulting in the same outcome) the more valid it becomes.