1. Scientific Method

2. The Scientific Method 1. Make OBSERVATIONS
(gathering info using tools, senses)
2. Ask a Question
3. Form HYPOTHESIS
(an educated guess that is able to be tested)
-prediction
4. EXPERIMENT
(data gathering procedure that tests the hypothesis)
5. RECORD & ANALYZE data
(recorded observations & measurements)
6. Make a CONCLUSION
( answer based on data)
7. REPEAT, REPEAT, REPEAT

3. Observation vs Inference vs Prediction
Statement about what will happen in the future
Examples
The barn is going to fall down
It is going to rain
He is going to tell a joke
He is going to go to sleep
JUDGMENT based on what you see , hear, smell etc.
Your opinion ABOUT what you see
EXAMPLES
“ the barn is old”
“ it is night”
“he is happy”
“he is bored”
Gathering data using tools or senses
Actual facts
EXAMPLES
“the barn is leaning”
“the sky is dark”
“he is smiling”
“he is yawning”

4. Parts of an Experiment!
controlled experiment: data gathering procedure that tests your hypothesis,
usually has 2 groups –
the Control group (normal), and experimental group
Independent variable (also called the manipulated variable)
- The ONE factor you adjust or change in one group to see what happens
Dependent variable (also called the responding variable)
- factor that changes due to the I. V. changes (it is the outcome)
Constant ( also called controlled variables )
- all the factors that are the same between the 2 groups – you control & keep them the same
Control
- the group that has nothing done to it – it is the “NORMAL” one that you compare your experimental one with
- it is only used as a comparison – so you know what’s normal and what isn’t

5. “DRY MIX” = a helpful way to remember these D = Dependent variable R = Responding variable Y = Graphed on Y axis M = Manipulated variable I = Independent variable X = Graphed on X axis

6. Theory Vs Law Explanation based on MANY observations
THE most logical explanation for why it happens
Explains the how & why of a law
Can be CHANGED as new info is available
A “rule of nature”
Summarizes a pattern in nature
Tells what happened but not why
CANNOT be changed!
Ex. GRAVITY

7. Vocabulary Practice!!!
Study of the structures of living things: anatomy Study of plants botany Data gathering procedure experiment Your “educated guess” hypothesis A ‘rule of nature’ law

8. Study of organisms, their habitat & relationships ecology Study of the DNA of organisms genetics A representation of an idea to make it easier to understand model problem Practical use of scientific information technology Your judgment based on your observations inference

9. Tells what happened by not why law Study of animals zoology Study of the different forms of energy physics Truths about nature facts Factor in an experiment that doesn’t change constant

10. Explanation based on many observations theory
Gathering information using tools or senses
observations
Gathering new information just to do it
pure science
Study of matter & energy/forces of non living things
physical science
Study of the universe
astronomy

11. Your answer based on your data
conclusion
Factor in experiment you change
independent variable
Study of bacteria & viruses
microbiology