Introduction to Science Lesson 4: Variables and Technological Design

Bell Work What are the branches of Earth Science? What are the steps to the Scientific Method?

Today’s Agenda Bell Work Notes on Types of Data and Technological Design Finish any missing assignments

Weekly Agenda Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Notes on Types of Data and Technological Design Wednesday Quiz on the Scientific Method Finish Lab/Pretest/Science Stems Thursday Notes on Lab Equipment and Microscopes Friday Lab using lab equipment (depending on behavior)

Types of Data Measuring Involves quantitative data that can be measured in numbers Qualitative data information that isn’t numbers Color, taste, texture etc

Variable Identification The Independent Variable – is what is being tested Example: fertilizer would be the independent variable in an experiment with plants The Dependent Variable – what is measured from the application of the independent variable Example: height of the plant with fertilizer is applied to the plant The Experimental Group – the group that is getting the treatment The Control Group – receives no treatment The Constants – these are given to each group in the same amount

Graphing in Scientific Investigations Data should be organized in charts which lists the values of the independent variable in the first column and the value of the dependent variable in the second column. Bar Graph Circle Graph Line Graph

Technological Design Process Technological design is an important part of engineering, the field that applies scientific knowledge to practical problems. There are 4 main steps in the technological design process.

4 Main Steps Identify the problem. Propose a solution (design, process, or product) Implement the solution Evaluate the solution

Step 1: Identify the Problem The first step in the technological design process is to identify the problem. Often, engineers or inventors try to solve problems in their own lives or work.

Step 2: Propose a Solution Once the problem has been identified, a solution has to be proposed. In order to do this, drawings or models may be created. Also, any materials and costs have to be identified and the time has to be identified. A list of potential risks and benefits also is made.

Step 3: Implement the Solution Once a design plan has been studied and accepted, a design team must carry out the plan. This stage of development is known as implementation. This is a step-by-step strategy to solve the problem.

Step 4: Evaluate the Solution A completed design must be evaluated to decide if it meets the original goals.

Before you are finished… The results of technological design often improve people’s lives. Each new development offers both benefits and risks. Benefits are how the technology meets people’s needs. The risks include ways the technology might harm humans or the environment. This is called risk-benefit analysis.

Technological Design Process vs. Scientific Investigation Identifies a problem – asks a question Identifies a problem or need Researches related information Designs an investigation or experiment Designs a process or a product Conducts the investigation or experiment – repeated trials Implements the design or the process – repeated testing Analyzes the results Evaluates the conclusion – did the results refute or verify the hypothesis Evaluates the process or product – did it meet the criteria Communicates the findings

Exit Slip What are the differences between Scientific investigation and Technological Designs?