1. Using a Scientific Approach
Cornell Notes

2. Cornell Note Reminders
Don’t forget, you are only using the RIGHT-SIDE of your notebook as you are taking your Cornell Notes
Your first column is your CUE WORD
Your second column is where you write all of your information
If it is in italics in my PowerPoint, don’t write it
Let’s get started…

3. The Scientific Method
An organized plan for gathering, organizing, and communicating information to solve a problem or answer a question
You use the scientific method all the time (and you don’t even know it!)

4. Making Observations
The scientific method always starts with an observation
Any information you obtain from your senses
An observation can lead you to ask questions
Let’s brainstorm a few observations…

5. Hypothesis A proposed answer the question or problem
Like an educated guess
Must ALWAYS be TESTABLE!!

6. Hypothesis Variable—anything that can change What is it? Independent
The variable that causes change in another variable OR what you MANIPULATE
Dependent
The variable that changes in response to the independent variable OR what you MEASURE
Controlled
All the other variables that you keep the same

7. Hypothesis
When you are designing an experiment, you might have multiple hypotheses, BUT
You can only test ONE independent variable at a time!
If you change more than one variable, you don’t know what your dependent variable is responding to
This is called a controlled experiment

8. Drawing Conclusions As you test your hypothesis, you collect data
Hypothesis is Hypothesis is not
supported supported
Test with further Revise your
Experiments hypothesis

9. Communicating Data Graphs are a good way to visually display data
In science, we usually line graphs to show change over time
Independent variable on the X-axis
Dependent variable on the Y-axis
Time always goes on the X-axis

10. Theory vs. Law Well-tested explanation for an observation
Scientific Theory
Scientific Law
Well-tested explanation for an observation
Lots of support
Can NEVER be proven, only disproven
Describes an observed pattern in nature
NOT an explanation
Ex: Law of gravity
Theory vs. Law

11. Scientific Method Concept Map
-Analyze data and draw conclusions -Make an Observation
-Ask a Question -Report findings
-Develop a Hypothesis - Test hypothesis with an experiment