2. Scientific Method What is It? Why is it Important? How do I use it?

3. What IS the Scientific Method? It is the steps someone takes in order to identify a question, develop a hypothesis, design and carry out steps to test the hypothesis, and document observations and findings to share with others It is the steps someone takes in order to identify a question, develop a hypothesis, design and carry out steps to test the hypothesis, and document observations and findings to share with others In other words, it’s a way to solve a problem! In other words, it’s a way to solve a problem!

4. In order to solve problems, scientists have to think logically SCIENTIFIC METHOD OBSERVE something in the natural world Form a HYPOTHESIS based on problem or question that arose from the observation Conduct an EXPERIMENT to test The hypothesis Collect and Interpret DATA Form CONCLUSIONS HYP NO Goo d H Y P N O G o o d THEORY LAW = A PLAN!!

5. The Scientific Method is Unprejudiced… Re-doing the experiment tells whether the results were true or false “The conclusions will hold irrespective of the state of mind, or the religious persuasion, or the state of consciousness of the investigator and/or the subject of the investigation.” www.phyun5.ucr.edu/~wudka/Physics7/Notes_www/node6.html

6. BUT to REVIEW… The results using the scientific method are, and must be, repeatable! The results using the scientific method are, and must be, repeatable! Once experiments and observations are repeated many times, only THEN can a theory be formed Once experiments and observations are repeated many times, only THEN can a theory be formed THIS IS THE BASIS OF SCIENCE: Discovery, Duplication, Delivery THIS IS THE BASIS OF SCIENCE: Discovery, Duplication, Delivery www.phyun5.ucr.edu/~wudka/Physics7/Notes_www/node6.html

7. What is the difference between a fact, a theory, and a hypothesis? “In popular use, a theory is just a vague and fuzzy fact. For scientists (this now includes you!), a theory is a concept that explains a fact and can predict new ones. For example, today I saw the sun rise. This is a fact explained by the theory that the earth is round and spins on its axis while orbiting the sun.” “In popular use, a theory is just a vague and fuzzy fact. For scientists (this now includes you!), a theory is a concept that explains a fact and can predict new ones. For example, today I saw the sun rise. This is a fact explained by the theory that the earth is round and spins on its axis while orbiting the sun.” This theory also explains other facts (such as the seasons and moon phases) and allows me to make future predictions. This theory also explains other facts (such as the seasons and moon phases) and allows me to make future predictions. http://home.xnet.com/~blatura/skep1_.html

8. What is the difference between a fact, a theory, and a hypothesis? A hypothesis is a theory that has not yet been tested. Remember, only hypotheses that stand over time and through many tests become theories. A hypothesis is a theory that has not yet been tested. Remember, only hypotheses that stand over time and through many tests become theories. http://home.xnet.com/~blatura/skep1_.html So, what’s left to know about the Scientific Method?

9. But there’s more! We’re all human – so let’s learn about COMMON MISTAKES #1 error: Mistaking a hypothesis for an explanation - sometimes an idea seems so logical it tempts us into believing no testing is necessary - DON’T FALL FOR IT! Another mistake is ignoring or ruling out data that does not support the hypothesis – ALL data must be included! Finally, a mistake can arise from not estimating error – you could have even discovered a new phenomena! http://teacher.nsrl.rochester.edu/phy_labs/AppendixE/AppendixE.html

10. Importance of Scientific Method Universal Universal Simple Simple Well-organized Well-organized Allows for Communication… Allows for Communication… SCIENTIFIC METHOD OBSERVE something in the natural world Form a HYPOTHESIS based on problem or question that arose from the observation Conduct an EXPERIMENT to test The hypothesis Collect and Interpret DATA Form CONCLUSIONS HYP NO Goo d H Y P N O G o o d THEORY LAW

11. …but even outside of class - YOU can use the scientific method! Other scientists may critique our results and work – but this is good Other scientists may critique our results and work – but this is good Collaboration is how we learn and get ahead! Collaboration is how we learn and get ahead!

12. The Scientific Method can be used to solve any problem, The Scientific Method can be used to solve any problem, even to find a date for a dance! Here's how to do it: Step 1: State the problem. You cannot solve a problem until you know exactly what it is. My Problem is - "I need a date for the dance". Step 1: State the problem. You cannot solve a problem until you know exactly what it is. My Problem is - "I need a date for the dance". Step 2: Research the problem. What will it take to solve my problem? What do I know, and need to know, about my problem? To solve my problem, "I need someone to take to the dance". Who can I take? - Examine the possibilities. - Eliminate poor choices. - Consider likely choices. Step 2: Research the problem. What will it take to solve my problem? What do I know, and need to know, about my problem? To solve my problem, "I need someone to take to the dance". Who can I take? - Examine the possibilities. - Eliminate poor choices. - Consider likely choices.

13. Step 3: Form a hypothesis. A possible solution to my problem. The simplest solution is often the best solution! "My date will be ( Name )". Step 3: Form a hypothesis. A possible solution to my problem. The simplest solution is often the best solution! "My date will be ( Name )". Step 4: Test the hypothesis. Perform an experiment to see if your hypothesis works. "Ask ( Name ) for a date". Step 4: Test the hypothesis. Perform an experiment to see if your hypothesis works. "Ask ( Name ) for a date". Step 5: Draw conclusions from the data. Data are the results of an experiment. In its simplest form, there are only two possible conclusions: Step 5: Draw conclusions from the data. Data are the results of an experiment. In its simplest form, there are only two possible conclusions: Conclusion 1 If your hypothesis was correct, you now have a date for the dance. PROBLEM SOLVED! Conclusion 2 If your hypothesis was incorrect, the experiment failed. DON'T GIVE UP! DO MORE RESEARCH!- What was wrong with your original hypothesis? - Did you make a poor selection? - Was your experiment flawed? - Form another hypothesis based on additional research. - Test the new hypothesis.

14. WHAT NEXT? Well, we now know 1. what the scientific method is 2. why the method is important And… 3. how to use it So, what about other scientists?

15. Scientists used this method (before it was even called The Scientific Method) to form theories on such phenomena as gravity, evolution, and cells. But they had other attributes about their personality to help them succeed in their science work as well… GO NOW to the WEB QUEST to discover HABITS of MIND and how FAMOUS SCIENTISTS used their personal characteristics along with the scientific method to be successful! THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION!

16. Don’t Forget to Keep your Notes on the Scientific Method for the test and for me to check!! Ms. Turza’s Home Page Web Quest