UNIT 1 – USING THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD Exploration Science projects/project_scientific_method.shtml?from=Blog#overviewofthescientificmethod

Scientific Method VS. Engineering Design Science is the process of learning about and understanding the natural world. Science asks questions, tests, and develops theories about the natural world works. Scientific Method: Organized process of asking and answering scientific questions. Usually involves making observations and doing experiments. Engineering uses scientific theories to solve problems. Uses and applies science to develop new technologies and inventions. Engineering Design Organized process of solving a problem. Usually involves designing and testing a product which meets certain standards.

Scientific Method vs Engineering Design 1.Question 2.Research 3.Hypothesis 4.Experiment 5.Collect/analyze data 6.Conclusion 7.Share results 1.Problem 2.Research/brainstorm 3.Design 4.Build 5.Test devise 6.Evaluate 7.Share results In this unit, we will focus on understanding and using the scientific method

STEP 1 - QUESTION What makes a question scientific? How do you write a scientific question?

QUESTION Scientific method begins by asking a question about something you OBSERVED. When you OBSERVE something unfamiliar or makes you wonder… How? or What? Scientific method requires curiosity Try to list multiple questions, then decide on one. Question must be TESTABLE Must be able to gather data or make observations (evidence) Research topics are NOT testable questions – testable questions lead to investigations.

EXAMPLES NOT TESTABLE: Why is pink the best color? What are the planets in the solar system? Which flowers are prettier, daisies or roses? Do cats make better pets than dogs? TESTABLE Does Pepsi have more carbonation than Coke? What is the effect of cigarette smoke on lung cancer? Does getting chilled cause colds? Can you get warts from handling toads?

Your Turn! With your shoulder partner, write 1 scientific question and 1 non-scientific question.

STEP 2 - RESEARCH Why is research an important step?

RESEARCH Use credible sources to learn more about the subject. Key scientific principles involved What is already know about the topic Then use what you learn to write your hypothesis and plan the experiment. Hypothesis are called educated guess – key word is educated because they are based on facts Always cite sources used

STEP 3 - HYPOTHESIS How do you write a good hypothesis?

HYPOTHESIS Educated and Testable prediction about what will happen. Use what you learned from your research to write a logic hypothesis. Make sure you have access to the supplies to test your hypothesis. Make sure you can measure or observe the outcome. Cause and effect relationship between two factors INDEPENDNT VARIABLE (IV) DEPENDENT VARIABLE (DV) If __IV__ [I do this], then ___DV__ [this will happen]

HYPOTHESIS-VARIABLES Prior to writing your hypothesis, make sure you identify the variables first! That helps you write a clear and specific hypothesis. Independent Variable (IV) is the factor you are testing – you purposely change Dependent Variable (DV) is the factor that changes as a result – outcome you measure Constants (controlled variables) is keeping all other factors the same – DO NOT CHANGE They hypothesis clearly states what you are changing (IV) and the outcome you predict will result (DV).

STEP 4 –EXPERIMENT

EXPERIMENT EXPERIMENTAL GROUP This is the group that is being tested. Only 1 factor is tested at a time Independent variable is tested/changed CONTROL GROUP This is the group that is NOT tested. Independent variable is NOT changed This group is compared to experimental group

EXPERIMENT EXPERIMENTAL GROUP Plants that receive light. CONTROL GROUP Plants that receive NO light. What is the effect of light on plant growth?

STEP 5 – COLLECT AND ANALYZE DATA

COLLECT DATA Organize results in data table. Conduct multiple trials and calculate averages INDEPENDEN T VARIABLE Trial 1Trial 2Trial 3Average

ANALYZE DATA Graphing makes data easier to understand. Helps to identify relationship between variables (independent and dependent).

STEP 6 - CONCLUSIONS

CONCLUSION Summarize your experiment AND explain if the data supports the hypothesis or not. Identify possible errors and ways to improve experiment.

STEP 7 – SHARE RESULTS How do you write a good lab report?