The Scientific Method Basis of All Scientific Experiments

“Scientific Method” 1.Question (find a problem) 2.Observation (Research) 3.Hypothesis (guess) 4.Experiment 5.Record & Analyze results 6.Conclude (“this is what we found…”) 6 Steps

“This process is a pain…why use it?” Scientific Method – designed to logically solve problems and construct theories. To begin: YOU OBSERVE SOMETHING. Ex. “Hey I just tried to turn the lights on in my apartment, but I’m still in a dark room. Lame.”

When Doing Labs Use the Scientific Method – accepted method for scientists to explain how things work Steps: 1.State Problem and Collect Data 2.Formulate Hypothesis 3.Perform Experiments

Step 2: Collecting Data [Two Types] Quality vs. Quantity? Qualitative (Quality) NO NUMBERS involved Ex. The sky is blue Ex. The solution is cloudy Quantitative (Quantity) NUMBERS involved Ex. The solution is grams Ex. Water boils at 100 degrees

Step 3: Hypothesis Hypothesis – a POSSIBLE explanation for why something happens Observations are NOT hypotheses Ex. the solution is cloudy (observation) Ex. the solution is cloudy because it is contaminated (hypothesis)

Step 4: Experiments Use controls and variables Control – the constant Variable – the thing that changes in the experiment Lake vs. Ocean

Quick Quiz #1 Jeremy noticed the sky was cloudy outside. Is this a qualitative or quantitative observation? How do you know? How could Jeremy turn this observation into a hypothesis? What is a control, and how does it differ from a variable?

Warm Up #1 1.Make an observation about something you see in this room. Is it qualitative or quantitative? 2.How can you turn this observation into a hypothesis? 3.Why do you think it is important to perform multiple trials in an experiment?

Step 5: Record and Analyze Results Perform multiple Trials – attempts at experiment. Why? Collect data in DATA TABLE – organize information effectively Analyze data using GRAPHS. – Trends that may appear

Example: What happens to the population as time increases?

Step 6: Making Sense of Your Data After making sense of your data, come to a CONCLUSION. Does my data prove my hypothesis? If so, you can construct a theory

Theory vs. Law Theory – a conclusion based on REPEATED TESTING – Can be disputed/disproven via testing Law – explains things, but do not describe them. – NO EXCEPTIONS to laws – ALWAYS TRUE. – Laws are rare

Quick Quiz #2 Why would you perform multiple trials in an experiment? Once your hypothesis has been tested and proven several times, it becomes a _______. What is the biggest difference between a theory and a law?

California: A Journey Through Time

California is a mess. Environmentally falling apart: Sustainability Population Growth Wealth Gap Types of Resources Pollution How did this happen?

Sustainability Sustainability – the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance. Air Water Earth

Air – CO2 Emissions CO2 = Carbon Dioxide CO2 linked to Greenhouse Effect – retention of warm air, thus increasing earth’s temperature California = one of the worst states in US…why?

Freeways! 58% CO2 emissions comes from cars/trucks on the roads Freeways = a necessary evil? How are we trying to improve air quality (transportation incentives?)

Forest Fires = CO2 California = dry heat Forest Fires started: – Lightening – Spontaneous Combustion Spread by: WIND Wildfires increase CO2 emissions

Water California = a desert climate Acquire water from outside sources (Colorado River) How? Aqueducts. Can we keep this up?

Earth. Well…concrete. National Parks = a California landmark Budget crisis = park closures Effect on wildlife/biodiversity in California?