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Ms. Hanlon’s Science Classes Scientific Method Ms. Hanlon’s Science Classes

Objectives Describe the steps involved in conducting a scientific experiment. Distinguish between observation and inference.

Definition The scientific method is a logical, problem solving technique.

Observation vs. Inference An observation is a visible or provable fact. An inference is an opinion (or conclusion) based on observed facts.

What do you OBSERVE? What can you INFER?

What do you OBSERVE? What can you INFER?

Types of Observations Quantitative observations deal with numbers and is data which can be measured. Qualitative observations deal with descriptions and is data that can be observed but not measured.

Question/Problem Statement Careful observation leads to questions. A problem statement is a question that compares variables. A variable is something that changes.

Types of Variables Dependent Variable: variable that responds to change in the manipulated variable. Plotted on the vertical (y) axis. Independent Variable: variable that is manipulated or changed in an experiment. Plotted on the horizontal (x) axis. Constant: variable that does not change (stays the same) for the duration of the experiment.

Hypothesis A hypothesis is a statement that expresses the expected answer to the question/problem statement. A hypothesis states what results you expect to find from your experiment.

Experiment Develop a SPECIFIC, DETAILED procedure. Develop a SPECIFIC, DETAILED materials list.

Experiment An experiment is a planned way to test a hypothesis and find an answer to the question/problem statement. An experiment compares the independent variable to the dependent variable. An experiment tests one dependent variable at a time.

Experiment An experiment is a way to collect data and determine the value of the dependent variable. Data must be measurable (quantitative).

Display/Analyze Results Modify procedure if needed. Confirm the results by retesting. Include tables, graphs, and photos.

Conclusion A conclusion is a statement that presents the findings of the experiment and states whether the hypothesis was correct (supported) or incorrect (negated).

Communicate Results Present the data to an audience: Publish in a professional journal Present at a conference

Theory vs. Law

Homework Complete the Mythbusters worksheet. (Discovery Channel)

Classwork Get into groups based on case study received. Read case study and complete questions associated with that case study. When your group is called, be prepared to give a synopsis of your case study and report findings to class. Each person in the group must address at least one section of case study or answer one question.