1. Essential Questions
What is the nature of science?
How is the scientific processed carried out?
What is the difference between a theory and a law?

2. Vocabulary to look out for!
Control/constant
Qualitative observation
Data
Quantitative observation
Dependent/responding variable
Scientific method
Hypothesis
Theory
Independent/manipulated variable
Variable
Inference
Biology
Interpretation
Bias
Law
Pseudoscience
Model
Homeostasis

3. The Nature of Science
Science is a Continuous process, seeking to answer questions about the natural work.
Studies questions that are TESTABLE
Is subject to change
Scientists once through the world was flat
Pluto is no longer considered a planet
Does not always provide complete answers to all questions
What happened to the dinosaurs?
Science demands EVIDENCE (i.e. data)
Explains and predicts
Avoid bias

4. Theory Vs. Law
Theory- an explanation based on many observations and accumulated data (hypothesis is repeatedly verified over times and through various experiments)
Theory enables scientists to predict new facts and relationships, it is often added to as new information is gathered.
Law- describes relationships under certain conditions of nature.
Considered a rule of nature.
Theory- an explanation based on many observations and accumulated data (hypothesis is repeatedly verified over times and through various experiments)
Theory enables scientists to predict new facts and relationships, it is often added to as new information is gathered.
I.E Atomic theory, Cell Theory
Law- describes relationships under certain conditions of nature.
Considered a rule of nature.
I.e law of gravity, law of conservation of matter

5. Types of Observations
Qualitative- descriptive, what is visible  the flower is purple
Quantitative- numbers the flower has 5 petals
When observing ask “ who, what, where, and when”

6. Observations, Inferences, and Interpretation
Observations: facts the cat is lying down
Inference: logical conclusion based on reasoning
the cat is sleeping
the cat is dead
Why is the cat asleep?the cat is tired
Interpretation: observation with the addition of our personal bias The cat is so cute!

7. How good is your observational skills?

8. How good are your observational skills?
How many cars were in the picture?
How many of those cars were green?
What did it say on the store sign?
What is the name of the school?
Name one object that was in a window.

9. The Scientific Method
A systematic approach for scientists to answer questions.
The exact steps of the method may vary based on the question that is being posed, but it always includes the following ideas.

10. Steps of the Scientific Method
Pose a question or problem
Gather information
Construct Hypothesis
Test with an experiment
Analyze results
Share your findings
Re-test, re-think, narrow answer and form new questions and hypothesis

11. Step 1- Pose a Question or Problem
This will define the focus of your research
Make sure the question is testable and scientific
Meaning it can be answered with evidence, rather than an opinion
Ex: Will my plant grow faster if I play it music?
Investigate other information on the subject
Read other research or books
Step 2: Gather research

12. Step 3: Generate a hypothesis
Hypothesis- a testable, educated guess to answer your question or is a possible solution to the problem based on your research
“I think…”
Written in an “If…Then” format
It must be testable.
Ex. If the plant is played soft classical music, then it will grow at a faster rate than if no music was played at all.

13. Step 4: Design an Experiment
Parts of an experiment:
Parameter: something that can be measured.
Ex. Plant growth, amount of music, ….

14. Experimental design- Parameters
The parameter being tested is the manipulated variable or independent variable. This is what you are manipulating or changing on purpose
Ex: Music
The parameter that you are measuring is called the responding variable or dependent variable. It changes in response to or because of the manipulated variable
Ex. Plant growth

15. Experimental design- Parameters
The parameters that don’t change are called the controls or constants. Your control group is used for comparison.
The controls DO NOT change so you can be more sure that your manipulated variable CAUSED your responding variable to change
Ex. Soil, water, sunlight, seeds

16. Natural vs Controlled Experiment
A controlled experiment is an investigation where only ONE parameter is manipulated at a time, while a natural experiment is variable due to the changes on earth.
Ex. The plant experiment would be a controlled experiment, while an experiment to see which plant grows the best in your garden would be natural.

17. Step 5: Collecting and Analyzing Data
Data are the facts figures and other evidence gathered through observations
As you collect the data you got from your experiment, write it down.
Organize your data into a chart, table, or graph
Use pictures or photos to explain your results
Analyze your data by writing a summary of what happened in your experiment.

18. Average daily height of the radish plant (mm)
Plant Data
Condition
Average daily height of the radish plant (mm) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
With music 57
124
193
267
359
451
543
658
761
872
984
Without music 58
112
173
247
342
436
527
633
727
813

19. Step 5: Analyze results- Draw Conclusions
Does the results of your experiment support your hypothesis or not?
Do you need to revise your hypothesis and retest?

20. Step 6: Communicate your results to others
Share what you found out from your experiment
Scientists make presentations and write papers so others can repeat their experiments