How we find out about the world around us

The Steps Observation Vs. Inference Identify the Problem Form a Hypothesis Create an Experiment Perform an Experiment Analyze the Data Communicate the Results

Observations Vs. Inferences Observation are visible or provable facts Inferences are opinions or conclusions based on observed facts.

Observation or Inference?

Lets make observations Look around the class and make 3 observations. Write these in your science notebooks.

Determine the Problem Careful observations led to questions. A problem statement is a question that compares variables. Example: Does the drop height affect the bounce height of a bouncy ball?

Formulate a Hypothesis A hypothesis is an educated guess for what will happen. This statement expresses the expected answer to the problem statement. What you think the results of the experiment will show Example: IF a super ball is dropped from increasing heights then the bounce will increase because……..

All sorts of Variables There are 3 types of variables when conducting a science experiment. Independent Dependent Constant

Independent Variables Independent Variables are variables that change; these changes are unrelated to other factors, a variable we manipulate or change on purpose. An independent variable is the variable whose value we know before we start an experiment. Example: Does the drop height affect the bounce height of a superball? We know the drop heights we will use.

Dependent Variables Dependent Variables are variables that changes depending in some other factors; the variable we are trying to find. The dependent variable is the variable whose value we do not know before we start. Example: Does the drop height affect the bounce height of a superball? We do not know the bounce heights before we start.

Constant Variables Constant Variables do no change for the duration of an experiment; a value that remains the same. Example: Does the drop height affect the bounce height of a superball? The superball does not change during the experiment.

Create an Experiment: An experiment is a planned or organized way to test a hypothesis. The experiment allows us to find out the answer to our problem statement. An experiment is where we collect the data to determine if our hypothesis is correct or not. IF I do this……Then this will happen………….

What do we need for our experiment? Materials & Procedures Materials: Before we begin gather all the materials needed. What materials do we need to brush our teeth? Tooth brush Tooth Paste Water Sink

How do we brush our teeth? Turn on water at the sink Pick up my toothbrush Wet the bristles under the water Squeeze toothpaste onto the tooth brush Wet toothpaste Place in mouth and brush all my teeth for 3 minutes Rinse mouth with water Clean tooth brush and place in holder Turn off water Clean sink

Write a materials list and procedures You each received a colored index card as you entered the room. Based on your color write the materials and procedures for you scenario. Blue: getting up in the morning Red: Baking a chocolate cake Green: Playing soccer Purple: Driving a car Yellow: Going to school

Conclusion & Data The conclusion statement is a statement that presents the findings or results of the experiment. We use the data to prove or disprove our hypothesis. Data is represented in a variety of ways examples: graphs, charts, paragraphs.