Chapter 2-1

The Experimental Method Scientists make most of their discoveries using the experimental method. This method consists of a series of steps

Observation Observing is the first step of the experimental method. Observations can take many forms, including descriptions, drawings, photographs, and measurements

Observation

Hypothesizing and Predicting A hypothesis is a theory or explanation that is based on observations and that can be tested..

Hypothesizing and Predicting Predictions are statements made in advance that express the results that will be obtained from testing a hypothesis if the hypothesis is supported.

Experimenting Experiments are procedures that are carried out under controlled conditions to discover, demonstrate, or test a fact, theory, or general truth

Experimenting The variable is the factor that changes in an experiment in order to test a hypothesis.

Independent Variable (IV) Dependent Variable (DV) Experimenting Independent Variable (IV) Dependent Variable (DV) The condition being studied The condition being affected by the IV Controlled by the researcher Cannot be controlled by the researcher Independent Variable Example Dependent Variable Example Cause Effect Before After Input Output What you do What happens

Experimenting The experimental group The control group

Organizing and Analyzing Data Organizing data into tables/graphs helps scientists analyze data and explain it data clearly Graphs are often used by scientists to display relationships or trends in the data.

Organizing and Analyzing Data Bar graphs are useful for comparing the data for several things in one graph.

Drawing Conclusions Scientists determine the results of their experiment by analyzing their data and comparing the outcome of their experiments with their prediction.

Repeating Experiments Scientists look for a large amount of supporting evidence before they accept a hypothesis.

The Correlation Method Used when the use of experiments to answer questions is impossible or unethical Correlation is the linear dependence between two variables.

The Correlation Method Tree rings vs. Annual Rainfall

The Correlation Method Why the settlers at Roanake Island all died

Scientific Habits of Mind Curiosity Skepticism Openness to new ideas Intellectual honesty Share imagination and creativity

How Scientists use Statistics Statistics is the collection and classification of data that are in the form of numbers Analyzing and understanding data

How Scientists use Statistics Mean:

How Scientists use Statistics Distribution:

How Scientists use Statistics A bell shaped curve indicates a normal distribution where the data is grouped symmetrically around the mean

What is the Probability?

What is RISK? Risk is the probability of an unwanted outcome What should we really worry about most?

Thinking about risk Most people overestimate the risk of dying from sensational causes (plane crashes) vs. common causes (smoking). Likewise, most citizens overestimate the risk of sensational environmental problems and underestimate the risk of ordinary ones.

Thinking about risk

Models Models

Models Physical Models & Graphical Models

Models Conceptual models: verbal or graphical explanations for how a system works or is organized

Models Mathematical models are one or more equations that represent the way system or process works.

“False color” satellite images are created using mathematical models. Scientists use the models to relate the amount of energy reflected from objects to the objects’ physical condition. Near infrared (red), green (blue), red (green). This is a traditional band combination useful in seeing changes in plant health.