1. Scientific Method (Also called the Scientific Process)

2. Scientific Method–a systematic approach to problem solving that involves observation and experimentation

3. Idealized Version of the Scientific Method Observation Question Hypothesis Prediction Experiment Data Analysis Conclusion

6. Hypothesis – an idea that can be tested by an experiment Theory – well tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations Law – statements in nature that are always true

7. Controlled experiment – a test of the effect of a single variable by changing it while keeping all other variables the same Controlled variable – factor in an experiment that the experimenter keeps the same

8. Independent Variable – factor in an experiment that a scientist changes; also known as a manipulated variable (Remember: I control the Independent Variable) Dependent Variable – factor in an experiment which may change due to the independent variable; also known as the responding variable (your results)

9. An Esperanza teacher wants to increase the scores on his students’ biology exams. Before the next test he gives each student a pill. One half of the students receive a “smart” pill and the other half receive a placebo, a pill which has no effects on the subject. The pills all look the same so the students don’t know which pills they received. After the test he calculates the average score of each group and determines that the “smart” pill group scored 15 points higher on the exam.

10. The Esperanza soccer coach notices that during the soccer season that his players fail to outjump their opponents when competing for head balls in games. He gives each player a vertical jump test and records the scores. In addition to their regular training he implements a weight training program designed to increase leg strength. After six weeks he repeats the vertical jump tests and notices remarkable improvement. He concludes that the weight training program was successful.

11. A gardener plans to investigate whether or not Miracle Gro really does help plants to grow taller and faster. He plants three different tomato plants on the same day and waters all of them with the same amount of water for approximately four weeks. On the day the seeds were planted, Plant A received 20 grams of Miracle Gro Plant B received10 grams of Miracle Gro, and Plant C received O grams. The data appears on the graph on the next slide. Write a paragraph conclusion based on the results.

12. What is the effect of using Miracle Gro on the height of tomato plants?

13. In this experiment, what group is the control group? the experimental group? What is the variable being tested? What are some criticisms of the conclusion of this experiment?

14. What is meant by a controlled experiment? What is the difference between a hypothesis and a theory?

15. 7) The part of the microscope used to adjust the amount of light that comes through the stage is the: 8) What are the magnifications for: a. low power? b. medium power?

16. Edit the two following sentences according to the rules you received for scientific writing : 5) The long, stringy, tentacles of the jellyfish wrapped around the lanky swimmer’s legs. 6) The deer scampered up the hill as fast as lightning.