Nature of science Ms. Fernandez
Essential Questions What is scientific inquiry?
Vocabulary to look out for! Control group Constants Controlled experiment Scientific investigation Observation Experiment Hypothesis Test/independent variable Outcome/dependent variable Data Inquiry Claim Empirical Evidence Reasoning Trials Repetition Replication Support/Fail to support Analyze Valid Theory Law Pseudoscience Bias controlled experiment, scientific investigation, observation, systematic observations, experiment, hypothesis, test variable (independent variable), outcome variable (dependent variable), controlled variable, data, inquiry, claim, empirical evidence, reasoning, predict, hypothesis, trials, repetition, replication, support, fail to support, analyze, control group, conclusion, valid
The Nature of Science Science is a Continuous process, seeking to answer questions about the natural world. Studies questions that are TESTABLE Is subject to change 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 Avoids bias: Bias is the tendency to have an opinion, or view that is often without considering evidence and other information.
Observations When observing ask “ who, what, where, and when” An observation is the act of noting and recording something with your senses or instruments. When observing ask “ who, what, where, and when”
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.
Scientific Investigation The Scientific Method: A systematic approach for scientists to answer questions. Scientific Inquiry: the activities through which students develop knowledge and understanding of scientific ideas, as well as an understanding of how scientists study the natural world WATCH :)
Steps of the Scientific Method Pose a question or problem Gather information (observations/research) Construct a hypothesis Test with an experiment Analyze results (data) Make conclusions and share your findings Re-test, re-think, 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..because” 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- Parameter The parameter being tested is the test/independent variable. This is what you are changing on purpose Ex: Music The parameter that you are measuring is called the outcome/dependent variable. It changes in response to or because of the independent variable Ex. Plant growth A controlled experiment has only one independent variable
Experimental design- Parameters The variables that don’t change are called the constants. I.e. Soil, water, sunlight, seeds A control group is the group that does not receive the test variable used for comparison. I.e. Plant with no music The constants DO NOT change so you can be more sure that your independent variable CAUSED your dependent variable to change
Experimental design: Repetition vs Replication Repetition: When you repeat your experiment (trials) Replication: When someone else replicates your experiment Provides better statistical data (averages)
Let’s Practice! You have 15 minutes to complete the Independent vs Dependent variables worksheet.
Step 5: Collecting and Analyzing Data Data are the facts figures and other evidence gathered through observations of your experiment 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 Does the results of your experiment support your hypothesis or not? Do you need to revise your hypothesis and retest? Empirical Evidence: Information acquired by observation or experimentation. Scientists record and analyze this data. The process is a central part of the scientific method.
Step 6: Draw Conclusions and Communicate your results to others Claim Evidence Reasoning A statement or conclusion that answers the original question/problem. Scientific data that supports the claim. The data needs to be appropriate and sufficient to support the claim A justification that connects the evidence to the claim. It shows why the data counts as evidence by using appropriate and sufficient scientific principles Share what you found out from your experiment Scientists make presentations and write papers so others can repeat their experiments
Step 7- Reevaluate hypothesis, pose new questions If the hypothesis was rejected, why? Re ask the question, and begin again If the hypothesis was supported, explore deeper Ex. Will playing rock music, or classical music make the plant grow faster?
Summary Question: Will a plant grow faster if music is played to them Hypothesis: If music is played to the plant, then it will grow faster. Independent Variable: Music vs No Music Dependent Variable: Plant growth (mm/day) Constants: Temperature, water, sunlight, soil, seeds Control group: Plants with no music
Experimental design worksheet Please complete the given worksheet at this time ☺
Theory Vs. Law Theory- an explanation based on many observations and accumulated data (hypothesis is repeatedly supported and through various experiments) Enables scientists to predict new facts and relationships, it is often added to as new information is gathered. Law- describes a relationship under certain conditions of nature. Considered a rule of nature (Theories are the explanations to laws) 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
Science VS. Pseudoscience
HOROSCOPE MINI LAB