1. Warm Up Burning Cash Cloud in a Bottle
Obtain a piece of loose leaf paper and a pencil
While watching each video, list the steps the host of the video is taking to complete the experiment
Science and the Living Environment

2. Unit 1: Science and the Living Environment
The Scientific Method
Unit 1: Science and the Living Environment
Science and the Living Environment

3. The Scientific Method Science and the Living Environment
Credit: U.S. Satellite Laboratory, Inc.

4. Observations – The Scientific Method
Make observations (use the senses and devices to obtain information)
Collect information and background research
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5. The Scientific Method Observation Vocabulary –
Observation = Descriptive statement about a natural phenomena that are ‘directly’ accessible to the senses (or extensions of the senses)
What is seen or measured
Ex: The board is white and the marker writes in blue ink.
Inference = statements about phenomena that are not ‘directly’ accessible to the senses
A conclusion based on observations or evidence
Ex: A white board can help a teacher explain the scientific method to her students.
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6. Observations Vocabulary –
The Scientific Method
Observations Vocabulary –
Quantitative Observation = an observation that involves measurements
The temperature of the liquid is 95°C.
Qualitative Observation = a general description and does not involve a measurement
The liquid is hot.
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7. The Scientific Method Questions –
Identify the problem/develop a question
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8. The Scientific Method
Hypothesis –
Form a hypothesis = A prediction based on available evidence
States both cause and effect
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9. The Scientific Method Hypothesis –
A correct hypothesis can be tested and falsified using an experiment
The easiest way to write a correct hypothesis is as an ‘If – Then’ statement
“If __ [I do this] __, then ____ [this] ___ will happen.
For example: If the temperature in a lake decreases, then fisherman will be able to catch more fish.
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10. The Scientific Method Data –
Design and perform an experiment to test the hypothesis
Make observations/collect data
Organize results into tables and graphs
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11. The Scientific Method Conclusions – Analyze data
A statement based on observations and prior knowledge
Support or reject the hypothesis based on the data collected
Communicate results
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12. Questions – Observations – What further research could be done?
The Scientific Method
Questions –
What further research could be done?
What new questions arose from the study?
Observations –
Repeat
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13. Lets Look at the Scientific Method in Action!
Lava in a Cup Activity
The Lava in a Cup Activity is due on:
Do a demo and model the scientific method. Bring the students through the scientific method.
Candle activity or Pattern Cube Activity to show nature of science.
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14. Controlled Experiments
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15. Controlled Experiments
Controlled Experiments – Compares the results of an experiment between two (or more) groups
Placebo – A sugar pill or other ‘fake’ treatments given to the control group
Types of Groups:
Experimental Group – Group being tested or receiving treatment
Control Group – ‘Normal’ group that is identical to the experimental group in every way except one. It does not receive the new treatment
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16. Controlled Experiments
Independent (Manipulated) Variable – Variable that is being tested
The ‘If’ part of an ‘If-Then’ hypothesis
Ex. new drug, new fertilizer
Always plotted on the X-axis of a graph
Dependent (Responsive) Variable – Variable that is measured at the end of an experiment. It is the results.
The ‘Then’ part of an ‘If-Then’ hypothesis
Always plotted on the Y-axis of a graph
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17. Characteristics of a Good Experiment
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18. Characteristics of a Good Experiment
Can be repeated the same way and get the same results
Has a large sample size/many test subjects
Are performed for long periods of time
Test only one independent variable
All other characteristics of the tested groups should be the same.
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19. Characteristics of a Good Experiment
Are peer reviewed
Examined by several scientists to determine its accuracy
Must test the hypothesis and show whether it is supported or rejected
Is objective
The experiment and conclusions are fair and unbiased
Unbiased – showing no prejudice for or against something; impartial
Fact and opinion are not mixed
The experiment follows established ethical and legal standards
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20. Graphs and Data Tables
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21. Data Tables
Data Tables – Used to organize data which will be plotted in a graph and a mode of visual communication
First column in the table is for the independent variable
Second column is another for the dependent variable
Each column should be titled, and include units of measurement
Data in the table must be arranged in ascending or descending order
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22. Data Table Example
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23. Graphs
Graphs – A visual display of information or data that allows scientists to more easily detect patterns within data
Data can be displayed in a visual manner
Scientist can detect patters that would not have been evident in a table
Conclusions drawn from graphs must be based on accurate information
Types of Graphs:
Line
Bar
Pie Chart
Scatter Plot
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24. Every graph must contain:
A title describing the graph
Axis name labels with units (note: this is your independent and dependent variable)
X-axis = Independent Variable
Y-axis = Dependent Variable
Units of Measurement
Equal Intervals
Plotted points (if line graph, the points must be connected with a line)
Series Labels (if more than one data set)
Caption (if applicable)
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25. Graphs The numbers must increase by a uniform increments
Can count by 1’s, 2’s, 5’s, 10’s, ect
Your numerical scales should take up most of the axes
The numbers must line up with the grid lines
You do not need to start numbering your axis with 0
On a line graph, all points must be connected by a line and the points plotted must be surrounded by a circle (or square, or triangle)
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26. Line Graphs
Line Graphs – Shows any relationship where the dependent variable changes due to a change in the independent variable
Line Graph = ‘Change over Time’
Can show more than 1 event on same graph as long as relationship between variables is identical
Since points are connected  you must connect the points
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27. Line Graph Example
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28. Direct Relationship Direct Positive Relationship
As one variable increases, the other variable increases
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29. Inverse Relationship Inverse = Indirect Negative Relationship
As one variable increases, the other variable decreases
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30. Science and the Living Environment Vocabulary
Scientific Law – Statement or descriptions of the relationships among observable phenomena
Describes “What”
Commonly have a mathematical association
Scientific Theory – An explanation of natural events that is supported by strong evidence
Describes “Why”
Theories tie together many scientific facts, hypotheses and laws
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31. Words and Alternatives
Examples
Proof / Prove / Proving
Support/Evidence
“Our conclusion is that the plants grow taller in topsoil that they do in clay. The evidence that supports this conclusion is that the plants grown in topsoil grew 18cm taller than those grown in clay”
Truth / True / Right / Wrong Answer
Valid / Supported / Evidence-Based
“The purpose of the investigation was to gather data to answer the question of “What causes the phases of the moon?”
Science and the Living Environment