1. The Scientific Method  In science we use a specific process, called the scientific method to gather information and answer scientific questions.

2. The Scientific Method  Observation  Prediction  Hypothesis  Experiment  Organizing and Analyzing the Data  Drawing Conclusions

3. Observation  Observation is when we use our 5 senses to see and record things.  Observation only involves sensing and recording, NOT drawing conclusions.  We can use tools to help us to observe.  We can record with writing, drawings, photos, measurements, or sound recordings.  What are the most useful senses in science? Which are the least?

4. Predictions  A prediction is a logical statement of what will occur in a given situation.  After an experiment we never change a prediction, we just evaluate if it was correct.  Some great scientific discoveries have happened by accident or from predictions being wrong

5. Hypotheses  A hypothesis is a testable explanation or prediction which uses the words “If” and “Then”.  Example: If ______________ happens, then __________ will happen.  It is more than just a guess and is based on observations.

6. Experiments  An experiment is a procedure used to test a hypothesis.  It includes several essential parts:  Dependent Variable  Independent Variable  Experimental Group  Control Group

7. Dependent and Independent Variables  An independent variable is what we are testing.  The dependent variable is what we are measuring.  It is dependent on what we are testing.  Let’s try some examples:  Which grows faster, a plant in the sun or a plant in the dark?  Which is faster, a lion, a tiger, or a bear?  Who likes cookies more, Cookie Monster or Mr. Harlacher?

8. Experimental and Control Groups  We divide an experiment into two or more groups.  A control group is when everything is run as normal. Nothing is changed.  An experimental group has only one thing changed.  Why do we change only one thing?  Let’s look at some examples:  Which grows faster, a plant in the sun or a plant in the dark?  Does an athlete perform better drinking Gatorade or water?  If students study more, will they get better grades?

9. Organizing and Analyzing Data  Next, data must be collected from the experiment. Once again we draw no conclusions here.  This means collecting data and organizing it in a way that makes sense. We often use a graph or table for this. Some types are:  Table-Simply organizes the data.  Bar graph-Shows the results in columns  Line graph-shows the data in a mathematical plane with axes.  Pie chart-Shows all the data at once in comparison to the whole.  Pictogram-Similar to a bar graph, but with pictures to represent data.  Scatter Plot- Shows the data points only on a graph,

10. Drawing Conclusions  An examination of the data is made to evaluate if the hypothesis was correct or not.  It does not matter if the hypothesis was “right” or “wrong”. The result is valuable either way.  Mathematical analysis such as an average/mean, standard deviation, or t-test can be used to see if any difference between the control and experimental group(s) was significant.  A conclusion is then drawn and stated as to whether the hypothesis was correct or not.

11. Next Steps…  Scientists can then:  Publish their research  Re-test to examine if the results are consistent.  Revise or change their hypothesis and experiment again.  Look for sources of error in their process.

12. What if an Experiment Can’t be Run?  Sometimes due to moral, ethical, practical, or financial constraints an experiment cannot be run.  We would then use the process of correlation- which should be a reliable association between two or more events. does not  However correlation does not prove causation. Since we are not isolating one variable, we can’t be sure that one causes the other.  Let’s look at some good and bad correlations…

13. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly  People who eat McDonald’s every day are more likely to be obese.  Backed up by scientific data that people who eat McDonald’s every day have more health problems than those who don’t.  Bad  A soccer team that practices 30 minutes more a day than a rival has a better record.  Ugly  http://www.tylervigen.com/view_correlation?id=359 http://www.tylervigen.com/view_correlation?id=359  http://www.tylervigen.com/view_correlation?id=7 http://www.tylervigen.com/view_correlation?id=7

14. Scientific Habits  Curiosity  Skepticism  Openness to New Ideas  Intellectual Honesty  Imagination and Creativity

15. What is a Scientific Theory or Law?  A scientific theory is when a particular hypothesis has many experiments and observations supporting it over time  It is an explanation of natural phenomena that has a large body of scientific evidence to support it.  A scientific law is when a certain explanation has accrued enough scientific evidence that it is assumed to be true.  In science however, we can never absolutely prove something; all we can do is fail to disprove it and refine it.

16. Types of Information  In science we need to be able to classify observations, results, and other information into types of information.  There are two main types of information:  Quantitative  Qualitative

17. Science and Society  Science and the results of scientific research are never inherently good or bad. It is how they are used or applied that is judged by the ethical values or moral values of a society.  Think of nuclear power:  Nuclear bombs can cause much damage and devastation.  Nuclear power plants currently supply 48% of New Jersey’s electricity as an alternative to oil or coal power plants.  Think of morphine:  It can eliminate pain in those who have serious medical problems  It is highly addictive and can cause dependence easily

18. Technology and Society  Technology is the application of scientific research to society’s needs and problems.  Technology itself is not good or bad; we judge it based on how it is used.

19. Statistics and Models  Statistics is the collection and classification of data in the form of numbers.  Models are representations of objects or systems.  Let’s explore how both are important to science and scientific research.

20. Terms to Know…  Statistical Population  Sample Size  Mean  Distribution  Probability  Risk  Physical Models  Graphical Models  Conceptual Models  Mathematical Models

21.  A Statistical Population is a group of similar things that someone wants to learn about.  Sample Size is how many individuals are in a sample or a statistical population.  Fewer than twenty is not statistically valid.  The larger the sample size, the more likely your results are significant.  Mean is the average.

22.  Distribution is the arrangement of numbers of a statistical population.  Example  Probability is the chance that something will happen.  If a multiple choice question has 4 possible answers there is a 25% probability of guessing the right answer if you have no idea. If you don’t answer it you have a 0% probability of getting it right.  Risk is the probability of an unwanted outcome.  If you flip a coin to see who gets the last piece of pizza. The risk of losing is 1 out of 2 or 50%.

23. Models Models are representations of processes or systems.  Physical Models are three-dimensional models that one can touch.  Graphical Models are a graphical representation of data such as a map, star chart, or bar graph.  Conceptual Models are verbal, graphical, or pictoral explanations for how a process or system works.  Mathematical Models use mathematical equations to represent how a process or system works.

24. Choosing the Best Type of Model  How does the data need to be presented?  What kind of data do we have?  What do we want to show?  What will the model be used for?

25. A Decision-Making Model  A decision-making model is a conceptual model that provides a systematic process for making decisions…in other words we follow a set of steps to help us make a decision.  We need to examine our individual and group values to see what is important to us.

26. The Steps 1. We gather information. 2. We consider our values. 3. We explore the consequences or effects of our decision. 4. We make a decision.

27. Let’s look at an example… Should Sussex Tech build a new pool? 1. Gather information.  What would we use it for?  How much would it cost?  Where would it go?  What do we do with the old pool?  How much material is needed?  Can the community use it?

28. Should Sussex Tech build a new pool? 2. Consider Values  Aesthetic-what is beautiful or pleasing  Economic-use of money or creation/loss of jobs  Environmental-the protection of natural resources  Educational-the sharing or gaining of knowledge  Ethical/Moral-right or wrong  Health-is it good for humans  Recreational-does it provide fun  Scientific-increasing our understanding of the natural world  Social/Cultural-the maintenance of our communities, values, and traditions

29. Should Sussex Tech build a new pool? 3. Explore the consequences and effects

30. Should Sussex Tech build a new pool? 4. Make a Decision  Who makes it?  Who makes sure that the process is carried out as you want it to be?

31. Now an Environmental Example Should wolves be re-introduced into NJ, NY, and Pennsylvania? 1. Gather information 2. Consider Values 3. Explore Consequences 4. Make a Decision

32. Decision-Making Model Assignment  Please look at your handout on one of the following topics:  The Keystone XL Pipeline  Fracking  Legalization of Deer Hunting in New Jersey  Building New Dunes on the Jersey Shore  Flood Protection System in Venice, Italy  Building the Bell Bend Nuclear Power Plant in Salem Township, PA