Scientific Method

The Scientific Method 1. Make OBSERVATIONS (gathering info using tools, senses) 2. Ask a Question 3. Form HYPOTHESIS (an educated guess that is able to be tested) -prediction 4. EXPERIMENT (data gathering procedure that tests the hypothesis) 5. RECORD & ANALYZE data (recorded observations & measurements) 6. Make a CONCLUSION ( answer based on data) 7. REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT

Observation vs Inference vs Prediction Statement about what will happen in the future Examples The barn is going to fall down It is going to rain He is going to tell a joke He is going to go to sleep JUDGMENT based on what you see , hear, smell etc. Your opinion ABOUT what you see EXAMPLES “ the barn is old” “ it is night” “he is happy” “he is bored” Gathering data using tools or senses Actual facts EXAMPLES “the barn is leaning” “the sky is dark” “he is smiling” “he is yawning”

Parts of an Experiment! controlled experiment: data gathering procedure that tests your hypothesis, usually has 2 groups – the Control group (normal), and experimental group Independent variable (also called the manipulated variable) - The ONE factor you adjust or change in one group to see what happens Dependent variable (also called the responding variable) - factor that changes due to the I. V. changes (it is the outcome) Constant ( also called controlled variables ) - all the factors that are the same between the 2 groups – you control & keep them the same Control - the group that has nothing done to it – it is the “NORMAL” one that you compare your experimental one with - it is only used as a comparison – so you know what’s normal and what isn’t

“DRY MIX” = a helpful way to remember these D = Dependent variable R = Responding variable Y = Graphed on Y axis M = Manipulated variable I = Independent variable X = Graphed on X axis

Theory Vs Law Explanation based on MANY observations THE most logical explanation for why it happens Explains the how & why of a law Can be CHANGED as new info is available A “rule of nature” Summarizes a pattern in nature Tells what happened but not why CANNOT be changed! Ex. GRAVITY

Vocabulary Practice!!! Study of the structures of living things: anatomy Study of plants botany Data gathering procedure experiment Your “educated guess” hypothesis A ‘rule of nature’ law

Study of organisms, their habitat & relationships ecology Study of the DNA of organisms genetics A representation of an idea to make it easier to understand model problem Practical use of scientific information technology Your judgment based on your observations inference

Tells what happened by not why law Study of animals zoology Study of the different forms of energy physics Truths about nature facts Factor in an experiment that doesn’t change constant

Explanation based on many observations theory Gathering information using tools or senses observations Gathering new information just to do it pure science Study of matter & energy/forces of non living things physical science Study of the universe astronomy

Your answer based on your data conclusion Factor in experiment you change independent variable Study of bacteria & viruses microbiology