1. Scientific Method
Chapter 1

2. What is science?
Definition- a body of language based on the study of nature
Science is always changing as technology advances
Science is based on inquiry that seeks to develop explanations
Science is dependent on observation and experimentation
Science uses explanations to make useful predictions

3. How do scientists work?
Scientific Method- common steps used by scientists to gather information and solve problems
Process used by scientists to solve a problem
Steps of scientific method

4. Observation
Act of noting or perceiving objects/ events using senses

5. Problem
Ask a question about what you observe

6. Hypothesis
Definition- testable explanation for a problem based on an educated guess
Based on cause and effect relationships (if…..then statement)
Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.
Based on preliminary observations and scientific literature (ex. Scientific Journals)
Prediction- expected outcome of a test, assuming the hypothesis is correct

7. Experiment
Definition- procedure that tests a hypothesis by collecting information under controlled conditions
clear, replicable procedures

8. Parts of a good/valid experiment
-Control group: standard, all conditions kept the same, used for comparison
Experimental group- group that you experiment with

9. Control vs. Experimental
Control Group
Experimental Group
A student wanted to test the effects of sunlight on the growth of plants.

10. Variables Independent variable (IV)- one thing that’s different
Dependent variable (DV)- physically measured
Example…Billy Bob wanted to test the effect of different color lights on plant height. Billy Bob planted the same amount of soil in Group A and in Group B. In Group A Billy bob put the plants in normal light and in Group B he tested the effect of blue light.

11. Collect Data and Analysis
Quantitative data- expressed by #’s, obtained by counting or measuring
ex. 5 mice, plants grew 20”, 20 cats
Qualitative data-descriptive
ex. All fish appear healthy, green pea pods

12. Conclusion
State whether your prediction was confirmed or not and try to explain your results.
Accept/ reject hypothesis
Experimental Error- what errors have caused your hypothesis to be rejected (human error, too many variables, biases)
Ways to improve or expand research

13. Review of Scientific Method
1) Identify a Problem
2) State Observations about the problem
3) Form a Hypothesis about the problem (if…then…)
4) Design an Experiment to test the hypothesis
5) Collect Data
6) Form a Conclusion
7) Retest
BrainPop-Scientific Method

14. Science and Technology
Science is both a body of knowledge and a process of finding answers
Technology is the practical application of science (ex. Computer, laser)
Scientists use and depend on technology, technology improves by increased knowledge from scientists
Science and Technology are dependent on each other

15. Science and Technology
Because science and technology are always changing, theories can change
Theory- well tested statement that unifies a broad range of observation
Theories can change as new evidence becomes available

16. Limitations of Science
Money
Availability of equipment
Skills