The Scientific Method (All information summarized from Wysession, Frank & Yancopoulos (2009). Physical Science: Concepts in Action. Boston: Pearson Education.

The Five Steps (parts 1-2) 1.Observation: Data gathered using your five senses. Gives you information about which you can pose a… Example: 2.Question: A specific, testable question that addresses the issue in your observation. * Form: How does _____ affect ____. Example:

The Five Steps (part 3) 3.Hypothesis: * An educated guess at answering your question. * Must be backed by research and/or prior knowledge * If….. Then…. form Example:

The Five Steps (part 4) 4.Experiment: Tests your hypothesis, attempts to address the issue posed in your question. Should have ONE independent ( manipulated ) and ONE dependent ( responding ) variable

The Variables: Independent Variable: (manipulated) is the variable that YOU change. Dependent Variable: is the variable that you measure based on the changing independent variable Control Variables: the things that you keep the SAME throughout all experiments Example: Elastic Band

Controlling variables ALL variables need to be controlled ▫Independent ▫Dependent ▫“controls” Example: Elastic Band vs Distance travelled

The Five Steps (part 5) 5.Draw conclusions: Analysis of data collected in experiment Attempt to answer your question Discuss whether or not your hypothesis was supported Example:

What next? Repeat the process (and have others repeat it too!) If your hypothesis was supported by your experiment, you will want further support. If your hypothesis was not supported, you might want to retest it to be sure, or propose a new hypothesis based on your new information.

Scientific theory A scientific theory is a hypothesis that has been repeatedly tested and supported in many ways by many scientists. A theory explains why something in nature occurs. Example: Kinetic Theory

Scientific law A scientific law is a statement (often a mathematical statement or equation) that describes a pattern observed in nature. A law explains how the pattern works but does not explain why it happens. Example: Newton’s Laws or the Law of Gravitation

Scientific Model Scientific models make it easier to understand things that might be too difficult to observe directly. Example: A model of the solar system

Now, let’s apply it! The Witch Trial from Monty Python and the Holy Grail here: g The Apollo 13 clip: &NR=1http:// &NR=1