The Scientific Method

HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED THESE…. 6 Phases of a Project? 1.Enthusiasm 2.Disillusionment 3.Panic 4.Search for the Guilty 5.Punishment of the Innocent 6.Praise and Honors for the Non- Participants

If you have experienced the 6 Phases of a Project… The Scientific Method can come to your rescue!!!!!!!!!

Learning Objectives TLW plan and implement investigative procedures including asking questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and selecting equipment and technology TLW collect data and make measurements with precision TLW organize, analyze, evaluate, make inferences, and predict trends data TLW communicate valid conclusion TLW analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses, and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information Chemistry TEKS 2.A., 2B, 2.C, 2.D, 2.E, 2.H, 2.I,3A. Principles of Technology TEKS 3.A., 3.B, 3.C

AGENDA What is Science? Brief Overview of the Types of Science The Scientific Method –Demonstrations, Comparisons, & Experiments –As Described Through Myth Busters & the Lesson of the Fishing Lure –The Paper and the Penny Experiment Products of the Scientific Method Review - Scientific Method Vocabulary, Process, and Parts of Experiments Lab – Blowing Up a Balloon without Air

I. What is Science A. A process to answer questions B. You use science everyday C. It is an ever present part of life

II. Types of Sciences A. Physics Study of forces and energy B. Chemistry Study of matter and its changes

C. Biology Study of living things D. Earth Science Study of the earth; geology, meteorology, astronomy, etc

MythBusters The MythBusters guys comment on the scientific method Link to rs-science-vs-scientific-method.html rs-science-vs-scientific-method.html

III. The Scientific Method A. Steps to follow to solve or understand problems B. The Steps 1. Problem – observe a problem or something interesting * Formulate a question – – ask “how” or “why” – must be specific Ex. Why does the silver lure catch more fish?

2. Research: find out as much information; Answer pre-lab questions 3. Form a hypothesis – predict an answer to the problem *must be in, “IF…, then…” format (Ex. If the silver lure is used, then more fish will be caught) *Hypothesis must be testable

Observations, Questions and Hypotheses ObservationsScientific Questions Possible Hypotheses Ice floats at the top of a glass of water. Why does ice float in liquid water? If ice is less dense than water, then it floats Blue jays and cardinals eat from a bird feeder in your yard, but robins do not What kind of food do robins eat? Do robins eat seeds? If Robins do not eat seeds, then they eat worms

Observations, Questions and Hypotheses – You Try It ObservationsScientific Questions Possible Hypotheses Paper Penny

Ways of Discovery Demonstrations – simpler scientific method used to show or confirm facts –For example: determine the density of a block of wood Comparisons – scientific method to evaluate samples for likenesses and differences –For example: determine which is more dense a block of cypress, oak, or teak wood Experiments – more rigorous test. See next slide

4. Experiment - Test the hypothesis a. Experiments should be conducted at least 3 times for repeatable, better data

b. Parts to the experiment: 1) control – part of the experiment that has no variables (Ex. Use a lure with no color to catch fish) 2) independent variable - the factor that you can change Ex. change the color of the lure - CHANGE ONE Variable at a time

3) dependent variable – what you can measure Ex. The number of fish caught 4) Ex. of experiment parts: If oil is added to a door hinge, then the door will not squeak. control – not adding oil independent variable – oil dependent variable – the squeak

REMEMBER…… Change only one independent variable at a time Otherwise…. You won’t know which one impacted the dependent variable (Ex. Changing the color of the lure and the type of string)

Use the information in the table to answer the questions: 1. What is the independent variable? Answer: gibberellin 2. What is the dependent variable? Answer:height/growth 3. Which group is the control group? Answer: Group1-no gibberellin added Group Micrograms of Gibberellin in a Water solution Average Height in cm

5. Data and analysis: Observe and collect data from the experiment. Analyze the data and organize it using tables, charts, graphs Color of LureNumber of Fish Caught No color4 Green6 Silver10

6. Form a conclusion – Determine an answer from data analysis Ex. - The silver lure caught the most fish Maybe find a new problem -- Which lure caught the biggest fish? Answer post-lab questions May include written and/or oral reports THERE IS NEVER AN EXPERIMENT THAT FAILS

A predicted solution to a problem that is testable c Experiment/ Procedure Problem

IV. Products of Scientific Method A. Theory 1. A logical explanation of events that happen in nature 2. A theory has been tested 3. A theory is a possible explanation 4. A theory is not 100%

B. A law 1. A theory that has been tested many times and is accepted as true 2. a summary of an observed natural event 3. Not necessarily 100%, accepted - but never proven wrong

Review What We’ve Learned Independent Practice –Science Word Search –Planning Investigations Worksheet

Lab Together the class will review the steps to the lab Discuss potential hazards, precautions, and PPE Divide into Periodic Groups and work in teams to complete experiment Complete lab guide Turn in completed lab guides by teams Discuss findings