1. The Scientific Method

2. What it is: Techniques for: Investigating phenomena
Acquiring new knowledge
Correcting and integrating “old” knowledge

3. What makes it scientific:
In order for conclusions reached by using the Scientific Method to be valid the following must be true:
Data has been gathered that is observable, measurable and fair (empirical)
Data comes from observation and/or experimentation

4. A hypothesis has been formed
A hypothesis has been tested

5. How to use the Scientific Method
Procedures vary from one field of science to another but all follow a basic pattern
First the scientific researcher will propose a hypothesis
Then an experiment must be designed to test the hypothesis

6. When an experiment is created it must have steps that can be repeated so that when it is done again by somebody else the results can be predicted

7. Hypothesis vs Theory
Hypothesis: A suggested explanation for something that has been observed
Ex:
Observation: My car seat is wet and my window was left down
Hypothesis:

8. Theory: An explanation that has been well tested and confirmed as a general principle helping to explain and predict a wide range of similar future events. A theory can still be proven wrong with enough data
Ex: The Expanding Earth Theory

9. The Expanding Earth Theory
The Theory: The Earth is continually getting larger, which is why the continents are moving, new mountains are formed and why sometimes it feels like the earth is moving (up to the early 1900’s)
Disproven By: Discovery of plate tectonics, pictures from space, continental drift theory etc.

10. The Steps of the Scientific Method
Define the question
Gather information and resources (observe)
Form an hypothesis
Perform experiments & collect data
Analyze data
Interpret data
Draw conclusions
Publish results

11. The Experimental Method
Five steps that must be done when doing an experiment
Sometimes the order of the steps changes
Sometimes a step may be left out
It is always possible to go back and do a step again

12. Step 1: Observe
An interesting natural phenomenon or a problem that needs a solution
These observations are made using your five senses and instruments to extend your senses, like a microscope
There are two kinds of observations: quantitative and qualitative

13. Quantitative vs Qualitative
Quantitative: an observation involving quantities that can be expressed in numbers
Qualitative: an observation that involves quality, shape or properties that cannot be expressed in numbers

14. Step 2: Develop a Research Question
Observations can raise questions
When a prediction is made about the answers to these questions this becomes the hypothesis
A hypothesis can be proven or disproven
Ex: Question: Does dark clothing or light clothing get hotter in the sun?
Hypothesis: “Clothing that is dark will get hotter than light clothing.”

15. Rules for a hypothesis NO PERSONAL PRONOUNS!!! Full sentence(s)
Must have a definite, specific prediction
Ex: “The temperature will increase”
NOT “The temperature will change”

16. Step 3: Define the Variables
Variable: Something that can vary or change
What will be controlled or monitored during the experiment

17. Step 4: Experiment
List the steps of the experiment as a procedure that is clear enough for someone else to do the experiment exactly the same

18. Requirements for a Procedure
To write an experimental procedure properly you must:
Choose the equipment and material you need
b) Prepare step-by-step instructions that are clearly numbered at each step (remember lab safety)

19. c) Use all the equipment on the list
d) Monitor the variables you have selected
e) Conduct the experiment following the safety rules
f) Record all the information you collect

20. Step 5: Analyze and Present the Results
Results must be organized and presented appropriately
Results must include all observations and calculated values
When analyzing your results you must remember to answer the initial question

21. If the experiment was appropriate for the question(s) your were trying to answer you should be able to draw conclusions (answers)
This is also where you state any possible errors that occurred or what you would do differently the next time
In the conclusion there are again NO PERSONAL PRONOUNS