1. The Scientific Method Courtesy of: Omega Science

2. What is Science? Knowledge obtained by observing natural events to discover facts and develop models that can be tested through experimentation. Knowledge obtained by observing natural events to discover facts and develop models that can be tested through experimentation.

3. What is the Scientific Method? Step-by-step way in which scientists answer questions. Step-by-step way in which scientists answer questions. 1. Ask a question. 1. Ask a question. 2. Research the topic. 2. Research the topic. 3. Form a hypothesis. 3. Form a hypothesis. 4. Test the Hypothesis. 4. Test the Hypothesis. 5. Gather Data. 5. Gather Data. 6. Analyze Results. 6. Analyze Results. 7. Draw Conclusions. 7. Draw Conclusions. 8. Communicate Results. 8. Communicate Results.

4. 1. Ask a Question The question describes what you want to find out. You must be able to solve the question by experimentation Make sure the questions is specific enough Examples: How does __________ affect _______? What is the effect of _______ on ________?

5. 2. Research the Topic Write down what you already know Make observations Research your topic Ask experts on the subject you are researching

6. 3. Form a Hypothesis An explanation for your question based on prior scientific research or observations that can be tested. An explanation for your question based on prior scientific research or observations that can be tested. “Educated Guess” “Educated Guess” Use an “If… then… ” statement for the hypothesis Use an “If… then… ” statement for the hypothesisExample: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.

7. 4. Test the hypothesis (1) Develop an experiment to test your hypothesis. Do the experiment multiple times Have a control You can only test one thing at a time (one independent variable) The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable)

8. 4. Test the hypothesis (2) What is a Control? What is a Control? A control group is used for comparison A control group is used for comparison It is where the scientist changes nothing It is where the scientist changes nothing Experimental Group Experimental Group This is where the scientist changes something to test the hypothesis This is where the scientist changes something to test the hypothesis What the scientist changes is called the independent variable What the scientist changes is called the independent variable

9. 4. Test the Hypothesis (3) What is a variable? What is a variable?  A factor that is different from one group to another Independent variable Independent variable The factor that the scientist has changed in order to test the hypothesis The factor that the scientist has changed in order to test the hypothesis Dependent Variable Dependent Variable The result of what the scientist changed The result of what the scientist changed

10. 4. Test the hypothesis (4)  What are Constants?  These are what the scientist keeps the same in both the control group and the experimental group

11. Variables and Constants 1. The temperature of water is measured at different depths in a lake. Independent variable: Dependent variable: Constants: 2. The more water a plant gets, the taller it will grow. Independent variable: Dependent variable: Constants:

12. 5. Gather Data (1) Make Observations Make Observations Any use of the senses to gather information Any use of the senses to gather information Qualitative Observations Qualitative Observations Anything that you see, smell, touch, taste, or hear Anything that you see, smell, touch, taste, or hear Quantitative Observations Quantitative Observations Any observation that can be measured Any observation that can be measured Must include a number Must include a number

13. 5. Gather Data (2) Make only Observations NOT Inferences Make only Observations NOT Inferences What are Inferences? What are Inferences?  Conclusions or deductions based on observations Example:  I hear people screaming  I smell cotton candy and popcorn Inference = There’s a fair going on.

14. Look at these two sets of animal tracks. List 3 OBSERVATIONS Make an INFERENCE

15. Now what do you think? Make 3 OBSERVATIONS Make an INFERENCE

16. What about now? Make 3 OBSERVATIONSMake an INFERENCE

17. 6. Analyze Results Record Data Record observations and measurements in a consistent manner Create tables and/or charts Create graphs Complete any necessary calculations

18. 7. Draw Conclusions Answer the following questions using scientific vocabulary: Answer the following questions using scientific vocabulary: Do your results support your hypothesis? Why or why not? Do your results support your hypothesis? Why or why not? Are there any changes that would make the data more reliable? Are there any changes that would make the data more reliable? What would you do differently if you were to repeat the experiment? What would you do differently if you were to repeat the experiment?

19. 8. Communicate Results Share data and information with others, such as scientists Publish your findings in a book, magazine, journal, the internet Write a lab report and hand it in to your teacher!

20. Let’s try! Six bean plants are to be tested to see what happens if light is taken away. They all have the same type of container, the same amount of soil, and they will receive the same amount of water. Three will be placed in a sunlit window and 3 will be placed in a dark closet for 2 weeks. Six bean plants are to be tested to see what happens if light is taken away. They all have the same type of container, the same amount of soil, and they will receive the same amount of water. Three will be placed in a sunlit window and 3 will be placed in a dark closet for 2 weeks. 1. What is the question? 1. What is the question? 2. Research. 2. Research. 3. Form a Hypothesis. 3. Form a Hypothesis.

21. 4. Test your hypothesis. 4. Test your hypothesis. 4a. What is the control group? 4a. What is the control group? 4b. What is the experimental group? 4b. What is the experimental group? 4c. What is the independent variable? 4c. What is the independent variable? 4d. What is the dependent variable? 4d. What is the dependent variable? 4e. What are the constants? 4e. What are the constants? 5. Gather data. 5. Gather data. 5a. What are some Qualitative observations you can make? 5a. What are some Qualitative observations you can make? 5b. What are some quantitative observations you can make? 5b. What are some quantitative observations you can make? 6. Analyze results. 6. Analyze results. 6a. How can you show your results? 6a. How can you show your results?