1. 8th Grade Science Mrs. Thomas
Science MetHODS
8th Grade Science
Mrs. Thomas

2. What is Science?
Science is the investigation and exploration of natural events and of the new information that results from those investigations.
Scientific knowledge is the result of a great deal of debate and confirmation within the science community.
People use science in their everyday lives and careers

3. Scientific Inquiry
Scientific inquiry is a process that uses a set of skills to answer questions or to test ideas about the natural world.

4. Scientific Inquiry Cont.

5. How Science Works Formulate a Hypothesis
How many drops of water will fit on the penny?
Design an experiment.
The experiment has variables.

6. Variables

8. Independent Variable
The independent variable is the factor that you want to test. It is intentionally changed by the investigator to observe how it affects a dependent variable.
Independent:
Not determined or influenced by something else.
Free of control from others.
Not Dependent

9. Dependent Variable
The dependent variable is the factor being measured as a result of changes made in the independent variable.
Dependent:
Contingent on another.
Relying on or requiring the aid of another for support: dependent children

10. Control Variables
These are all the variables that must not change, to make sure it is a fair test. A Controlled Variable is anything else that could influence the dependent variables. There is usually more than one. These must remain the same throughout the experiment.