Scientific Method Intro
Learning Objective: Students will be able to understand and apply two important components within the structure of the scientific method. These two are observation and data collection.
Definitions…. Scientific Method- problem solving guide Hypothesis- suggested solution to a problem based upon known information. Data- record of observations. Theory- an educated guess.
Step-by-Step Process Identify the Problem- state it clearly; usually as a question. Gather Information- research; ask questions. Discover what is already known about the problem. State Hypothesis- A hypothesis is a suggested solution as to why something happens. Test the Hypothesis- Experiment and examine the situation to check the hypothesis.
Observations & Data Observation must be divided into smaller proportions easy to handle Observations must match hypothesis. Experimentation must be based on observations. Data collection of experiments must be recorded as follows:
MAKE CAREFUL OBSERVATIONS- Note everything your senses can gather MAKE CAREFUL OBSERVATIONS- Note everything your senses can gather. Record the data. Keep careful records. ORGANIZE AND ANALYZE THE DATA- Put the data in order. Scientists often use charts and tables to organize data. Figure out the meaning of the data. STATE A CONCLUSION- Explain the data. State whether or not it supports the hypothesis.
EXAMPLE PROBLEM- Are dogs and wolves the same?. GATHER INFORMATION- Go around the world collecting fossils and interviewing cultures. HYPOTHESIS- Dogs and wolves were the same species many years ago.
Continue OBSERVATION-We do DNA testing on fossils and we collect all cultural stories related to wolves and dogs.
CONTINUE ORGANIZE AND ANALYZE-We use charts that show how genetically similar are dogs and wolves. CONCLUSION- Dogs and wolves are genetically related, but dogs were domesticated 13,000 years ago.
TEAMWORK Engage- creates interest, generates curiosity, raises questions. Explore- encourages work together and share ideas. Explain- involves previous experiences and elaborates new ones. Elaborate- uses formal definitions and explanations. Improvises new situations. Evaluate- observes new skills and concepts.
* IN TEAMS OF TWO DEVELOP A SCIENTIFIC METHOD FOR AN IDENTIFIED QUESTION YOU MAY HAVE. TURN IN CLASS TIME.