1. Scientific Method
Intro

2. Learning Objective:
Students will be able to understand and apply two important components within the structure of the scientific method. These two are observation and data collection.

3. Definitions…. Scientific Method- problem solving guide
Hypothesis- suggested solution to a problem based upon known information.
Data- record of observations.
Theory- an educated guess.

4. Step-by-Step Process
Identify the Problem- state it clearly; usually as a question.
Gather Information- research; ask questions. Discover what is already known about the problem.
State Hypothesis- A hypothesis is a suggested solution as to why something happens.
Test the Hypothesis- Experiment and examine the situation to check the hypothesis.

5. Observations & Data
Observation must be divided into smaller proportions easy to handle
Observations must match hypothesis.
Experimentation must be based on observations.
Data collection of experiments must be recorded as follows:

6. MAKE CAREFUL OBSERVATIONS- Note everything your senses can gather
MAKE CAREFUL OBSERVATIONS- Note everything your senses can gather. Record the data. Keep careful records.
ORGANIZE AND ANALYZE THE DATA- Put the data in order. Scientists often use charts and tables to organize data. Figure out the meaning of the data.
STATE A CONCLUSION- Explain the data. State whether or not it supports the hypothesis.

7. EXAMPLE PROBLEM- Are dogs and wolves the same?.
GATHER INFORMATION- Go around the world collecting fossils and interviewing cultures.
HYPOTHESIS- Dogs and wolves were the same species many years ago.

8. Continue
OBSERVATION-We do DNA testing on fossils and we collect all cultural stories related to wolves and dogs.

9. CONTINUE
ORGANIZE AND ANALYZE-We use charts that show how genetically similar are dogs and wolves.
CONCLUSION- Dogs and wolves are genetically related, but dogs were domesticated 13,000 years ago.

10. TEAMWORK
Engage- creates interest, generates curiosity, raises questions.
Explore- encourages work together and share ideas.
Explain- involves previous experiences and elaborates new ones.
Elaborate- uses formal definitions and explanations. Improvises new situations.
Evaluate- observes new skills and concepts.

11. * IN TEAMS OF TWO DEVELOP A SCIENTIFIC METHOD FOR AN IDENTIFIED QUESTION YOU MAY HAVE. TURN IN CLASS TIME.