1. Introduction to Science
Lesson 4: Variables and Technological Design

2. Bell Work What are the branches of Earth Science?
What are the steps to the Scientific Method?

3. Today’s Agenda Bell Work
Notes on Types of Data and Technological Design
Finish any missing assignments

4. Weekly Agenda Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
Notes on Types of Data and Technological Design
Wednesday
Quiz on the Scientific Method
Finish Lab/Pretest/Science Stems
Thursday
Notes on Lab Equipment and Microscopes
Friday
Lab using lab equipment (depending on behavior)

5. Types of Data Measuring
Involves quantitative data that can be measured in numbers
Qualitative data information that isn’t numbers
Color, taste, texture etc

6. Variable Identification
The Independent Variable – is what is being tested
Example: fertilizer would be the independent variable in an experiment with plants
The Dependent Variable – what is measured from the application of the independent variable
Example: height of the plant with fertilizer is applied to the plant
The Experimental Group – the group that is getting the treatment
The Control Group – receives no treatment
The Constants – these are given to each group in the same amount

7. Graphing in Scientific Investigations
Data should be organized in charts which lists the values of the independent variable in the first column and the value of the dependent variable in the second column.
Bar Graph
Circle Graph
Line Graph

9. Technological Design Process
Technological design is an important part of engineering, the field that applies scientific knowledge to practical problems.
There are 4 main steps in the technological design process.

10. 4 Main Steps Identify the problem.
Propose a solution (design, process, or product)
Implement the solution
Evaluate the solution

11. Step 1: Identify the Problem
The first step in the technological design process is to identify the problem.
Often, engineers or inventors try to solve problems in their own lives or work.

12. Step 2: Propose a Solution
Once the problem has been identified, a solution has to be proposed.
In order to do this, drawings or models may be created.
Also, any materials and costs have to be identified and the time has to be identified.
A list of potential risks and benefits also is made.

13. Step 3: Implement the Solution
Once a design plan has been studied and accepted, a design team must carry out the plan.
This stage of development is known as implementation.
This is a step-by-step strategy to solve the problem.

14. Step 4: Evaluate the Solution
A completed design must be evaluated to decide if it meets the original goals.

15. Before you are finished…
The results of technological design often improve people’s lives.
Each new development offers both benefits and risks.
Benefits are how the technology meets people’s needs.
The risks include ways the technology might harm humans or the environment.
This is called risk-benefit analysis.

16. Technological Design Process vs. Scientific Investigation
Identifies a problem – asks a question
Identifies a problem or need
Researches related information
Designs an investigation or experiment
Designs a process or a product
Conducts the investigation or experiment – repeated trials
Implements the design or the process – repeated testing
Analyzes the results
Evaluates the conclusion – did the results refute or verify the hypothesis
Evaluates the process or product – did it meet the criteria
Communicates the findings

17. Exit Slip
What are the differences between Scientific investigation and Technological Designs?