Essential Questions What is the nature of science? How is the scientific processed carried out? What is the difference between a theory and a law?

Vocabulary to look out for! Control/constant Qualitative observation Data Quantitative observation Dependent/responding variable Scientific method Hypothesis Theory Independent/manipulated variable Variable Inference Biology Interpretation Bias Law Pseudoscience Model Homeostasis

The Nature of Science Science is a Continuous process, seeking to answer questions about the natural work. Studies questions that are TESTABLE Is subject to change Scientists once through the world was flat Pluto is no longer considered a planet Does not always provide complete answers to all questions What happened to the dinosaurs? Science demands EVIDENCE (i.e. data) Explains and predicts Avoid bias

Theory Vs. Law Theory- an explanation based on many observations and accumulated data (hypothesis is repeatedly verified over times and through various experiments) Theory enables scientists to predict new facts and relationships, it is often added to as new information is gathered. Law- describes relationships under certain conditions of nature. Considered a rule of nature. Theory- an explanation based on many observations and accumulated data (hypothesis is repeatedly verified over times and through various experiments) Theory enables scientists to predict new facts and relationships, it is often added to as new information is gathered. I.E Atomic theory, Cell Theory Law- describes relationships under certain conditions of nature. Considered a rule of nature. I.e law of gravity, law of conservation of matter

Types of Observations Qualitative- descriptive, what is visible  the flower is purple Quantitative- numbers the flower has 5 petals When observing ask “ who, what, where, and when”

Observations, Inferences, and Interpretation Observations: facts the cat is lying down Inference: logical conclusion based on reasoning the cat is sleeping the cat is dead Why is the cat asleep?the cat is tired Interpretation: observation with the addition of our personal bias The cat is so cute!

How good is your observational skills?

How good are your observational skills? How many cars were in the picture? How many of those cars were green? What did it say on the store sign? What is the name of the school? Name one object that was in a window.

The Scientific Method A systematic approach for scientists to answer questions. The exact steps of the method may vary based on the question that is being posed, but it always includes the following ideas.

Steps of the Scientific Method Pose a question or problem Gather information Construct Hypothesis Test with an experiment Analyze results Share your findings Re-test, re-think, narrow answer and form new questions and hypothesis

Step 1- Pose a Question or Problem This will define the focus of your research Make sure the question is testable and scientific Meaning it can be answered with evidence, rather than an opinion Ex: Will my plant grow faster if I play it music? Investigate other information on the subject Read other research or books Step 2: Gather research

Step 3: Generate a hypothesis Hypothesis- a testable, educated guess to answer your question or is a possible solution to the problem based on your research “I think…” Written in an “If…Then” format It must be testable. Ex. If the plant is played soft classical music, then it will grow at a faster rate than if no music was played at all.

Step 4: Design an Experiment Parts of an experiment: Parameter: something that can be measured. Ex. Plant growth, amount of music, ….

Experimental design- Parameters The parameter being tested is the manipulated variable or independent variable. This is what you are manipulating or changing on purpose Ex: Music The parameter that you are measuring is called the responding variable or dependent variable. It changes in response to or because of the manipulated variable Ex. Plant growth

Experimental design- Parameters The parameters that don’t change are called the controls or constants. Your control group is used for comparison. The controls DO NOT change so you can be more sure that your manipulated variable CAUSED your responding variable to change Ex. Soil, water, sunlight, seeds

Natural vs Controlled Experiment A controlled experiment is an investigation where only ONE parameter is manipulated at a time, while a natural experiment is variable due to the changes on earth. Ex. The plant experiment would be a controlled experiment, while an experiment to see which plant grows the best in your garden would be natural.

Step 5: Collecting and Analyzing Data Data are the facts figures and other evidence gathered through observations As you collect the data you got from your experiment, write it down. Organize your data into a chart, table, or graph Use pictures or photos to explain your results Analyze your data by writing a summary of what happened in your experiment.

Average daily height of the radish plant (mm) Plant Data Condition Average daily height of the radish plant (mm) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 With music 57 124 193 267 359 451 543 658 761 872 984 Without music 58 112 173 247 342 436 527 633 727 813  

Step 5: Analyze results- Draw Conclusions Does the results of your experiment support your hypothesis or not? Do you need to revise your hypothesis and retest?

Step 6: Communicate your results to others Share what you found out from your experiment Scientists make presentations and write papers so others can repeat their experiments