1. Chapter 2: Measurements and Calculations
Section 1: Scientific method

2. Section 1: scientific method
Objectives
Describe the purpose of the scientific method.
Distinguish between qualitative and quantitative observations.
Describe the differences between hypotheses, theories, and models.

3. Scientific method
The scientific method is a logical approach to solving problems by OBSERVING and COLLECTING DATA, FORMULATING HYPOTHESES, TESTING hypotheses, and formulating THEORIES that are supported by data.

4. Observing and collecting data
Observing is the USE OF THE SENSES to obtain information.
make MEASUREMENTS and COLLECT DATA
data may be
QUALITATIVE descriptive)
QUANTITATIVE (numerical)

5. Observing and collecting data
Object: ______________________
__________________________________

6. Observing and collecting data
A SYSTEM­ is a specific PORTION OF MATTER in a given region of space that has been selected for study during an experiment or observation.
observation of a reaction in a test tube
the test tube and its contents form a system

7. Formulating hypotheses
Scientists MAKE GENERALIZATIONS (look for RELATIONSHIPS and PATTERNS) based on the data.
Scientists USE GENERALIZATIONS about the data to formulate a HYPOTHESIS, or TESTABLE STATEMENT.
hypothesis is the basis for MAKING PREDICTIONS and EXPERIMENTING
Hypotheses are often “IF-THEN” statements.
the “then” part is a prediction that is the basis for experimenting

8. Testing hypotheses
Testing a hypothesis requires experimentation that provides data to SUPPORT or REFUTE a hypothesis or theory.
CONTROLS are the experimental conditions that REMAIN CONSTANT.
VARIABLES are any experimental conditions that CHANGE.

9. theorizing
A MODEL in science is more than a physical object. It is often an EXPLANATION of HOW PHENOMENA and how DATA or EVENTS are related.
VISUAL, VERBAL, OR MATHEMATICAL
example: ATOMIC MODEL OF MATTER

10. theorizing
A THEORY is a BROAD GENERALIZATION that EXPLAINS a body of facts or phenomena.
successful theories predict the results of many new experiments
example: ATOMIC THEORY

11. Stages in the scientific method