A way to answer questions & solve problems How we understand the world around us A way or process used to investigate what is happening around you It provides possible answers The Nature of Science What is SCIENCE?

Steps of the Scientific Method 1. Identify the problem 2. Form a hypothesis 3. Plan and conduct an experiment 4. Record and analyze data 5. Draw conclusions

Identify the Problem Usually in the form of a question.

Form a HYPOTHESIS A educated guess that can be tested by conducting an experiment Prior knowledge, new information, and observations can be used to form a hypothesis

How do scientists OBSERVE? Using the 5 senses: Hearing Touch Smell Sight Taste

Plan and conduct an experiment Experiments have different types of variables.

The 3 TYPES OF VARIABLES 1.Independent Variable 2.Dependent Variable 3.Controlled Variable

Explain INDEPENDENT VARIABLE The variable that the scientist can change The variable that may cause a change in the dependent variable

Explain DEPENDENT VARIABLE The variable that is measured by scientists The variable that may change because of the independent variable

Explain CONTROLLED VARIABLE (CONSTANT) Variable that stays the same during an experiment Variable that is controlled by the scientist

How to RECORD DATA Write down all measurements and other data Can be recorded in the form of a graph or table

Graph the data Look for patterns and relationships Look at the shape of the graph Describe how to ANALYZE DATA

What do scientists do when they DRAW CONCLUSIONS? Answer the original question State whether or not the hypothesis was supported (it is never “right” or “wrong”) Pose questions for further research

Reported in scientific journals Presentations to other scientists How do scientists COMMUNICATE the results of their work?

Why are REPEATED TRIALS necessary in an experiment? To make sure results are valid The more trials conducted, the more likely the results are reliable To make sure a “fluke” is not considered the true result

Why do scientists use MODELS? To save time and money when testing ideas that are Very large Very small Dangerous Time-consuming