Warm-up August 29, 2008 Anticipation Guide
Scientific Inquiry
This involves asking questions about nature and then using observations or experiments to find possible answers to those questions
Observations and Data Observation - the use of senses to gather and record information about structures or processes. Qualitative observations – data collected using your senses that tell characteristics Example: red, fast, small Quantitative observations – data that involves measurements Example: 6 seconds, 20 meters Data - recorded observations
Inferences & Generalizations Inference - a logical conclusion based on observations Generalization - a general conclusion Example: “all living things are made of cells”; this generalization was made after numerous observations of tiny units (cells) were found in all organisms. Example: “all living things are made of cells”; this generalization was made after numerous observations of tiny units (cells) were found in all organisms.
What can you infer from this picture?
Scientific Method Used to solve a problem or better understand an observed event
Steps of Scientific Method 1. State the problem 2. Research the problem 3. Develop a hypothesis 4. Perform experiment 5. Analyze data 6. Draw conclusions
Hypothesis A proposed answer to a question It must be testable
Scientific Method - Controls and Variables
Scientific Experiments Follow Rules. An experimenter changes one factor and observes or measures what happens.
The Control Variable The experimenter makes a special effort to keep other factors constant so that they will not effect the outcome. Those factors are called control variables.
What is the Purpose of a Control? Controls are NOT being tested Controls are used for COMPARISON
Other Variables The factor that is changed is known as the independent variable. The factor that is measured or observed is called the dependent variable.
Example of Controls & Variables For example, suppose you want to figure out the fastest route to walk home from school. You will try several different routes and time how long it takes you to get home by each one. Since you are only interested in finding a route that is fastest for you, you will do the walking yourself.
What are the Variables in Your Experiment? Varying the route is the independent variable The time it takes is the dependent variable Keeping the same walker throughout makes the walker a control variable.
One more thing… it is best to make several trials with each independent variable.
The Limitations of Science 1. Science requires repeatable observations and testable hypotheses. 2. These standards restrict science to a search for natural causes for natural phenomena. 3. Science-based knowledge is the type built from confirmed observations and testable hypotheses.
Theories in Science 1.A theory is a well-tested explanation that makes sense of a great variety of scientific observations. that makes sense of a great variety of scientific observations. a) It gives rise to many hypotheses that can be tested. 2. Compared to a hypothesis, a theory is much broader in scope.
3. Theories only become widely accepted in science when they are supported by an extensive body of evidence. a) If new evidence that contradicts a theory is uncovered, scientists first verify the evidence many times, then modify or discard the theory accordingly.
Models 1. Models are physical, mental, or mathematical representations of how people understand a process or an idea. a) A model can take the form of a drawing, graph, 3-D object, computer program, or mathematical equation.
Figure 2-20 Though neither of these diagrams looks realistic, both can help you understand a key process in the body. The model on the left simply shows the path of blood flow into and out of the heart's four chambers. The model on the right shows more detail about the connecting blood vessels. (The models are "face-on" views, with the "right" and "left" labels referring to the person's right and left sides.) Red indicates blood that is rich in oxygen; blue represents oxygen-depleted blood.