Earth Science Mr. Kennel The Scientific Method Earth Science Mr. Kennel

What is Science? Science: a systematic approach to solving problems involving testing explanations and predictions about the Universe The Scientific Method: techniques for gathering information

The Scientific Method Asking a Question Forming a Hypothesis Setting Up a Controlled Experiment Collecting Data Analyzing Results Drawing Conclusions

Asking Questions Asking a Question: all science starts with a question Hypothesis: suggested explanation to a scientific questions Prediction: possible answer to a hypothesis

Finding Answers Some questions can be answered simply by collecting data (survey) Experiment: an organized procedure that involves making measurements and observations

Parts of an Experiment Independent Variable: factor that is manipulated by the experimenter Dependent Variable: factor that changes as a result of the independent variable Control: an unchanged factor used to show how an experiment tests the hypothesis

Looking an Conclusions Once an experiment is complete, all of the data should be gathered and looked at in some form (table, graph, etc.) This information should be compared to the hypothesis to see if a conclusion can be made If not, another experiment should be designed to test the hypothesis in a different way

Answers Theory: an explanation based on many observations during repeated experiments that is valid only if it: 1. Is consistent with observations 2. Makes predictions that can be tested 3. Is the simplest explanation of observations