1. Science

2. Definition of Science
An organized way of using evidence to learn about the natural world.
Organized: Use of the scientific method
Evidence: Observations and data
Natural world: The real world around us (not a world based on opinions, beliefs or faith but one we can actually observe and measure)

3. Key Vocabulary Terms
Observing: using one or more of your senses to gather information
Qualitative: Describes something (color, smell, taste, feel) that can’t be measured in numbers
Quantitative: Uses numbers to describe an amount, size, weight, etc
Inferring: Interpreting or explaining observations using reasoning from what you already know
Predicting: Making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on past experience
Classifying: Grouping together items that are alike in some way.
Making Models: Creating representations of objects or processes

4. Basic Steps (The Rattlesnake Experiment)
Scientific Method
Basic Steps
(The Rattlesnake Experiment)
1/3/2019
By W. Ribbeck

5. The Scientific Method Objectives:
Describe the method scientists use to investigate the natural world.
List the steps of the scientific method
Complete an experiment using the scientific method
Write up a lab report in acceptable scientific format

6. Definition
Scientific method: basic steps that scientists follow in uncovering facts and solving scientific problems

7. The Scientific Method Observe an unknown & ask a Question
Form Hypothesis (An educated prediction)
Experiment & Test Hypothesis
Collect Data
Analyze Results
Draw Conclusions & Communicate Results
*Remember the acronyms:
OHEDAC or OHEDACC

8. Ask a Question, Gather Information
The scientific method starts when you make an observation and ask a question.
Research the topic in the library, on the net, by talking to experts, watching videos, etc.
Ask a question that can be answered yes or no by collecting numbers (data) as proof.
Example: “What’s the best kind of music?” is an opinion and it cannot be measured. “What kind of music is most popular?” is a question that can be answered.
*complete in handout 8

9. 2. Formulate a Hypothesis:
A hypothesis uses reasoning to predict the answer to the question.
It’s an educated guess about what your data or graph is going to look like.
Identify the manipulated (independent) variable, responding (dependent) variables and controls
*complete in handout 9

10. Observe and unknown and ask a question
What invisible trail does a rattlesnake follow in tracking down its bitten prey?

11. Gathering Information (part of observation)
A rattlesnakes eyes are only sensitive to visible light
A pair of organs located under the eyes detect invisible light in the form of heat
A rattler’s tongue “smells” certain odors in the air
The sight or smell of an unbitten animal does not trigger the rattler’s tracking action

12. Hypothesis
After the snake wounds its victim, the snake follows the smell of its own venom to locate the animal

13. Manipulated (Independent) Variable
The thing you change.
There can only be one (Only change one thing at a time!).
What is the manipulated variable in the rattle snake experiment?
The dead mouse (killed with venom or no venom)
*complete in handout 13

14. Control
Besides the independent variable, all the other things that could change must be “controlled”.
Sometimes we have a control group that gets nothing changed so we can compare it to the others.
How do we “control” other things in the rattlesnake experiment
Use the same cage/environment
Drag the dead mice along the same path
Create a dead mouse with out any venom (nothing changed)
Others?
*complete in handout 14

15. Responding (Dependent) Variable(s)
What happens, the thing we are going to measure.
There may be more than one dependent variable. (Usually we keep it to one to make it simple)
What is the responding variable in the rattlesnake experiment?
The path and action of the rattlesnake (does it follow the same path or do nothing?)
*complete in handout 15

16. Experiment
Drag a dead mouse that has been struck and poisoned by a rattlesnake along a curved path on the bottom of an empty cage
Place the snake in the cage
The snake follows the exact trail that has been laid out
Control
Drag an unbitten dead mouse along the path
The snake seems disinterested

17. 3. Experiment:
Develop and follow a procedure. Modify it if needed, keep track of changes and reasons.
Repeat: Do the experiment as many times as possible, the more times the better
*complete in handout 17

18. Recording and Analyzing Data
Do the experiment many times
Record the data

19. 4. Collect and Analyze Data:
Organize the numbers/data you collected into tables and graphs
Use the tables and graphs to make a conclusion
*complete in handout 19

20. 5. Conclusion: Restate your experiments purpose
Tell us what happened, what went wrong, what changes you made and why.
Was your hypothesis right or wrong? It’s okay to be wrong
Describe and explain your experiments steps and describe your results.
Make recommendations for more experiments and possible improvements. (If you’re experiment failed, we know one thing not to do again)
*complete in handout 20

21. 6. Communicate the Results:
Write a lab report
Prepare a presentation for an audience (PowerPoint or a speech)
Get your report published in a scientific magazine.
Make a video presentation
*complete in handout 21

22. Can you name all the steps?
Observe and ask a Question/Gather Information
Formulate a Hypothesis
Collect and Analyze Data
Design and complete an Experiment
Make a Conclusion
Communicate the Results 22

23. Conclusion
The scent of venom was the only factor that could cause a rattlesnake to follow its bitten victim.