What is Science? Science refers to a method of learning about the natural world, as well as to the knowledge gained through that process. Scientific Inquiry refers to the diverse ways in which we try to answer questions and solve problems concerning the natural world. Observation: using the five senses to gather information. Inference: an interpretation based upon our observations. Classifying: When we arrange or organize according to class or category

Engineering design process

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Engineering design process vs scientific method Sci. method eng. des. process Step 1 state the problem identify the problem Step 2 gather information explore Step 3 form a hypothesis design Step 4 test the hypothesis create Step 5 analyze data try it out Step 6 draw conclusions make it better Step 7 retest

2 types of statements… Objective Statement: a statement of fact. The game lasted three hours. Subjective Statement: a statement of opinion. The game lasted too long! Science is objective by nature, we base what we know on facts.

A Hypothesis is a possible explanation for observations relating to a scientific question. This is stated as an “If…Then…”. A hypothesis is often tested by conducting a controlled experiment. In this type of experiment, scientists determine how one particular variable affects the outcome.

Two Types of Variables: a variable is a factor that can change in an experiment. 1. Manipulated or Independent Variable: changed by the scientist. Example: The amount of water (in ml) given to a plant daily. 2. Responding or Dependent Variable: changes because of the manipulated variable. Example: The measured daily growth of the plant (in cm). Data are the facts, figures and other evidence gained through observation

Two types of data/observations: Qualitative vs. Quantitative Describes QUALITIES… Think adjectives Purple Cold Sweet Describes QUANTITY Think numbers 14.745 cm 55 square meters 4 x 104 A.U.