Scientific Method

An organized way of solving a problem Requires critical thinking Must separate important information from unimportant information

Step 1 Identify the Problem

Define clearly what it is you want to solve Ex. What is causing the bees to abandon their colonies?

Step 2 Gather Information on the Problem

Data is collected by: Observations – two kinds: Direct – using our senses Indirect - using tools Research – using reliable sources

Step 3 Form a Hypothesis

Hypothesis - prediction using gathered information must be able to be tested experiments are done to test the hypothesis written as an if…………… then statement Ex. If a colony of bees is exposed to pesticides, then the colony will collapse

Step 4 Plan and Perform an Experiment to Test the Hypothesis

Hypothesis is tested in two ways: Field Study – Observations made in nature Information is collected in a natural setting Laboratory Experimentation – Information collected by a created setting

Bee variety Air temperature Location Constant/ Controlled Variables Manipulated Variable Laboratory Experiment

An experiment requires two types of variables: Constant/Controlled Variable – factors that stay the same throughout the experiment Manipulated Variable – factor that is changed on purpose

Dependent/Responding Variable

Dependent or Responding Variable – Variable being measured/tested/watched Variable that occurs as a result of the experiment

Control GroupExperimental Group

An experiment consists of two groups: Control Set – Up: Part of the experiment that does not contain the manipulated variable Kept unchanged Used as a comparison Experimental Set – Up: Part of the experiment that contains the factor being tested Contains the manipulated variable

Step 5 Analyze Data

Data – pieces of information that a scientist will gather and look at – information is collected through research, experiments and observations Conclusions can be made based on data Data table – a visual diagram that displays data from an experiment metric measurement – a system of measurement that scientists use

Step 6 Draw Conclusions

Step 6 Draw Conclusions Draw Conclusions – take your information and decide if your hypothesis was correct If you are right, you retest to be sure If you were wrong, you decide on a new hypothesis Communicate your results

Drawing Conclusions Inference – a logical conclusion based on interpreting observations and data Prediction – a forecast of what will or might happen in the future Bias – an attitude of feeling one way over another

Scientific Attitudes Curiosity – eager to learn Honesty – report observations and results truthfully Open-mindedness – accept new and different ideas Skepticism – question things Creativity – solve problems using thinking that is “outside the box”

Hypothesis

Hypothesis – possible solution to a problem Prediction of what might happen May or may not be true Based on observation and research Must be testable Written as an if (cause)….. then (effect) statement

Theory

Theory – a hypothesis that has been tested and supported many times Explains why something occurs Basis for describing patterns that we observe in nature Not an opinion If accepted – does not become a law

Law

Law – a general statement that describes some pattern in nature The statement must hold true no matter what Usually presented as a mathematical equation Is not an accepted theory Explains what happens not why

Model

Model – a description of something unfamiliar in a way that makes it familiar Helpful when we cannot observe the object of event directly or completely Built to find out why Also called a prototype

Demonstration

Demonstration – a model or display that shows how something works Does not test anything