1. The Scientific Method

2. Hypothesis (prediction) Experimentation Conclusions
Scientific Process
Problem or Question
Gather information
Hypothesis (prediction)
Experimentation
Conclusions

3. Observations and Questions
People jump back when they see a large dog.
Why are people afraid of large dogs.
People are afraid of large dogs because TV and the Media often portray large dogs as vicious and mean.
Science is ultimately based on observation
Observations often lead to questions ---> which lead to experiments to answer the questions

4. Hypothesis
a testable statement, can be shown to be true or false by experimenting or observation
Good
Bad
1. Plants will grow taller when given Miracle Grow
1. Plants will grow better when given Miracle Grow.
2.Girls will score higher on math tests than boys
2. Girls are smarter than boys.
3. Hermit crabs choose colorful shells over drab shells.
3. Hermit crabs like colorful shells

5. Experiment
Experimentation - a planned procedure designed to test the hypothesis.
Experimental Group -receives some kind of treatment or condition
Control Group - receives no treatment, used to compare

6. Hypothesis: Plants will grow taller when given Miracle Grow.
Example of an experimental design
Hypothesis: Plants will grow taller when given Miracle Grow.
Plants A & B are both given the same amount of light, water, and are stored at the same temperature. Plant A is given Miracle Grow.
All the variables are kept constant except the one you are testing.

7. Variables
Independent Variable - the factor you change, what you do to your exp. group. (Miracle Grow)
Dependent Variable - what happens as a result of that treatment, what you are measuring (height of plant)

8. Practice
In an experiment, a goldfish is placed in a 15 gallon tank. Another goldfish is placed in a 50 gallon tank.  The experimenter feeds them exactly the same amount of food and weighs them one year later to see which one grew the most.
What is the independent variable in this experiment?
What is the dependent variable? 

9. Collecting Data
Data should always be presented in a neat fashion, usually tables or graphs

10. Conclusions
Based on the data, a scientist then determines whether the hypothesis was supported or refuted. Science is subject to change when new evidence is found. While experimentation and observations can provide strong evidence for a conclusion, it is not absolute proof

11. Taking it one step further
Theory- well tested explanation that unifies a set of observations
Theory of Evolution
How are a Theory and a Hypothesis different?????

12. Homework: Pick a Question and Design an Experiment
1.  Will human urine repel sharks?
2.  Does the color red make lizards more aggressive?
3.  Will fish grow larger if placed in a larger tank?
4.  Does exercise reduce your risk of heart attack?
5.  Does aspirin keep cut flowers fresh longer?

13. WHEN TO USE GRAPHS AND HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF GRAPH
How to Display Data
WHEN TO USE GRAPHS AND HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF GRAPH

14. Examples of Graphs
Line graph
Bar Graph

15. Examples of Graphs
Pie charts

16. Line Graph
A line graph is most useful in displaying data or information that changes continuously over time.
Date
Temperature 1 10 2 25 3 30 4 42 5 23 6 7 40

17. Activity
Number
Visit W/Friends
175
Talk on Phone
168
Play Sports
120
Earn Money
Use Computers 65
Bar Graph
Bar graphs are an excellent way to show results that are one time, that aren't continuous - especially samplings such as surveys, inventories, etc.

18. Circle or pie graphs are particularly good illustrations when considering how many parts of a whole are inception.
Pie Charts

19. Graph Quiz Tommorow YOU WILL HAVE A QUIZ ON GRAPHING TOMORROW !
DON’T WORRY WE ARE GOING TO PRACTICE YOUR GRAPHING SKILLS.