1. Lesson 1.1: Scientific Method

2. What is Science? Science is not a collection of stuff to memorize
Science is a process (VERB!)
Science relies on facts
The scientific method allows us to solve problems and answer questions about the natural world

3. Pseudoscience is ‘fake science’
Astrology, Cryptozoology, ESP

4. The Scientific Method:
Make Observations/Conduct Research
Ask a Research Question
Form a testable Hypothesis
Design the Experiment/Materials & Methods
Collect and Analyze Data/Results
Draw a Conclusion/Accept or reject hypothesis

5. Observation: what you actually see occurring
Example Observation:
Example Research Question:

6. Inference: a logical interpretations based on your observations; or an assumption
Example Inference:

7. Hypothesis: a testable explanation based on your
observations
Example Hypothesis:

8. Designing an Experiment:
Independent Variable: the variable that is changed; (a.k.a. manipulated variable)
Dependent Variable: the variable that is observed or measured; (a.k.a. responding variable)
Control Group: not changed; what occurs naturally

9. Collecting and Analyzing Data:
Scientists record experimental observations, gathering information called data
Quantitative data: numerical data
Example:
Qualitative data: descriptive data

10. Your results include both your observations (qualitative) and a graph or chart of measurements (quantitative)

11. Drawing Conclusions:
Scientists use experimental data as evidence to accept or reject the hypothesis being tested, and to draw a valid conclusion