Do Now: On the first day of school, there are many students who get lost trying to find their classrooms. Perhaps that was you, perhaps not. Let’s say you were and had difficulty finding your science class. Describe the process you would go through to find the class. What are some of the options you have to get you there?

The Scientific Method A series of steps that can be followed to solve a specific problem or answer a question.

2. Formulate a hypothesis 3. Design and construct an experiment How do we use the scientific method in getting to class on the first day of school? Steps: 1. Ask a question 2. Formulate a hypothesis 3. Design and construct an experiment 4. Collect and analyze data 5. Make a conclusion 6. Test Conclusion, or if needed, repeat steps until problem solved How do I get to class? Can I use a map to get me there? I will use the map the figure out where I am and where I have to go. I use the map to check out where I am and plan a route. I carry out the plan and get to the classroom...whew! Oh no…I realize that it’s actually a history class, not science!? What now?

The Scientific Cycle The scientific method is more a CYCLE than a rigid set of steps. Many problems/inventions take years to solve/develop through this process. Often, the scientific method is used NOT to find the right answer, but to ELIMINATE the wrong ones!

Experimenting To create a valid experiment, we need to consider the variables that will affect the outcome. There are three types of variables in a controlled experiment. *variable – a factor that can change or be changed in an experiment *controlled experiment – an experiment in which the factors (variables) are changed one at a time to see which has the biggest affect

You would need a controlled experiment to find out… Why does the flu virus become so active in the fall and winter months versus the summer? Why are males 3 times more likely than females to go bald? Why do I always get headaches on Wednesday afternoons? Why is the bumblebee population decreasing?

Types of Variables Independent Variable (manipulated): the factor that is changed by the experimenter. What do “I” change? Dependant Variable (responding): factor that changes in response to choices made by experimenter. This is usually what you collect DATA (“D”) on. Controlled Variables (Constants): these factors are kept the same throughout the experiment.