1. Scientific Method State a Problem Form a Hypothesis.
Scientific Method = step-by-step method of problem solving used by scientists
step-by-step method or plan of gathering, organizing, & communicating information
You will use the Scientific Method to complete labs and inquiries.
State a Problem
Form a Hypothesis.
3) Experiment / Test the Hypothesis
4) Analyze Data
5) Conclusion – Accept or Reject the hypothesis
P-H-E-A-C

2. Identify a Problem Hypothesis Problems are found by:
Making observations (with your five senses) OR
Research
Hypothesis
Hypothesis = possible explanation for a question or problem
Must be able to be tested.
Often written as IF…THEN… statements
IF the plants does not receive water, THEN it will wilt.

3. Experiment Experiment = test of the hypothesis
Controlled experiment = test only 1 variable.
Independent/ManipulatedVariable – one that is CHANGED DIRECTLY by the experimenter
Dependent/Responding Variable – one that RESULTS DUE TO THE CHANGE
When graphing variables:
the independent goes on the X-axis
the dependent goes on the Y-axis
Dependent
Independent

4. Experiment Control = used for comparison
NO experiment is done on the control (Used to see if the expected happens even without the experiment)
Constant(s) – everything else in the experiment should be held constant or the same EXCEPT that one variable which is being tested.

5. Observation: A scientists observes a dog salivating Hypothesis: If there is food , then the dog will salivate.
Independent Variable : Dog’s exposure to food (maybe tested at various distance from the dog)
Dependent Variable: The amount of salivation by the dog
Control: A dog with no food exposure
Constants: same amount & type of food, same environment, etc.

6. NEVER CHANGE YOUR RESULTS TO FIT THE HYPOTHESIS!
Analyze Data
Data = information
Two types of data from an experiment:
1) Qualitative – uses descriptive words Ex. greener, faster
2) Quantitative –uses numbers Ex. 5 meters, 25 days
*this type is often graphed to look for trends
Conclusion
1) ACCEPT the hypothesis & REPEAT the experiment FOR VALIDITY (to make sure the results are correct) OR
2) REJECT the hypothesis & FORM a NEW HYPOTHESIS
NEVER CHANGE YOUR RESULTS TO FIT THE HYPOTHESIS!

7. What are scientific models & how are they useful?
Model - map, diagram, illustration, etc.
- makes it easier to understand things that might be too difficult to observe directly
2 types:
Physical --such as a globe
Mental – diagram of an atom, electron configuration

8. TOOLS OF SCIENTISTS What happens next?
A well tested hypothesis can become a theory
A Theory ALWAYS observed to be true can become a LAW
Hypothesis Theory Law
(least certainty) (most certainty)
TOOLS OF SCIENTISTS
Scientific Method - PHEAC
Metric System –use this measurement system because its international, easier communication
Microscopes
Cell Culturing (growing many cells from a few)
Cell Fractionalization (breaks cells & separates out the cell parts)

9. Why use science?
Technology - the application of science for mankind’s benefit
Ex. Medicines, electronics, vehicles
Applying science sometimes raises ETHICAL questions
Ethics -debate over right or wrong
Ex. Cloning, picking the sex of a child, etc.

10. Metric System/ SI Meter Gram Liter Second Celsius Temperature Volume
Mass
Length
Time

11. Measuring Tools Temperature thermometer
Volume beaker, graduated cylinder
Mass triple beam balance
Length meter stick, ruler
Time watch, clock