Lesson 1-1 Nature of Science

QUESTIONS Communicate Observe Define scope of a Problem Form a testable Question Research the known Clarify an expected Result Examine Results Perform Experiments (repeat to verify) Reflect on Findings Answering our Questions: the “Scientific Process” What do we “DO” When we’re performing science ? (share ideas) Scientific Method “Method used by scientists” an organized process for investigating the world around us

Types of Scientific Knowledge Observations (empirical data) –Qualitative = description without numbers –Quantitative = description using measurements and numbers Inferences (ideas, intuition, understanding - based on data) Scientific Method –Hypothesis (predictions) A testable “If, Then, Because” prediction To take an example from daily life, suppose you discover that your car will not start. You may say, “If my car does not start, then there is not enough electricity because the battery is low." This is your first hypothesis. Theory (hypothesis that best explain) –A scientific theory represents a hypothesis, or a group of related hypotheses, which has been confirmed through repeated experimental tests, which best explains all data and predicts future activities. A well substantiated explanation which best explains the scientific data. Scientific Law –Description of how natural phenomenon will occur under certain circumstances

An Experiment: Testing the Hypothesis Start with a “Hypothesis” –an “If, Then, Because” prediction of future events –Based on existing knowledge and observations –Which can be tested in an experiment Define the Variables –One or more variables or treatments (changes to the control situation) Manipulated – what is changed by the scientist – independent variable Response – what is measured – dependent variable Constants – what stays the same each time the experiment is tried Uncontrolled – what cannot be controlled –An “Experimental Control” (the situation as you originally observed it) A Well Planned Experiment Has Two Possible Outcomes: Hypothesis Supported Hypothesis Rejected

Reporting Scientific Experiments: The Scientific Method When reporting the results of an experiment, we follow the guidelines of the “Scientific Method” we all know and love: –State the Problem –Form the Hypothesis –Perform the Experiment –Observations – report the Data –Analyze the Data –State the Conclusions –Repeat

Scientific Process Diagram from “An Activity Model for Scientific Inquiry” William Harwood, The Science Teacher Vol. 71, No. 1, Pg , January 2004