Unit 1 NOS Nature of Science ppt 1 Scientific Inquiry

Scientific Method using Scientific Inquiry 1. Scientists make Observations about the world around them. 2. Scientists generate Questions that lead to exploration and investigation 3. Scientists make predictions and generate hypothesis 4. Scientists perform an investigation. 5. Scientists analyze evidence from investigation

6.Scientists generate and justify conclusions through argumentation. 7.Scientists communicate results with others. Evidence gives new information to scientists who then generate more investigations……..it never ends!!!

What is an Observation? Definition: Using your senses to gather information! Purely what you detect! Observations lead to questions “what is the effect of …on …?” Inferences are: conclusions based on evidence that you detected, guess, conjecture, assumptions. Inferences are NOT Observations!

Two types of Observations 1. Qualitative: Using your senses to describe something Using your senses to describe something Ex: Gumby is green and Pokey is orange. Ex: Gumby is green and Pokey is orange. 2. Quantitative: Using tools to take a numerical measurement Using tools to take a numerical measurement Ex: Gumby is 5.5cm tall and Pokey is 2.8 cm tall. Ex: Gumby is 5.5cm tall and Pokey is 2.8 cm tall.

Questions Scientists generate questions about how things work from their observations. Questions should lead to exploration and investigation!

Hypothesis Hypotheses are based on Hypotheses are based on Past Experience and knowledge Past Experience and knowledge Observations and Questions Observations and Questions Hypotheses always contain : the experimental idea the experimental idea The independent and dependent variables. The independent and dependent variables. Predicts the answer to a question Predicts the answer to a question

The format for writing a hypothesis “IF... THEN... Based on earth worm observations and questions: Based on earth worm observations and questions: If I place the earthworm in bright sunshine, then it will wiggle its way to the shade. If I place the earthworm in bright sunshine, then it will wiggle its way to the shade. Ind. Variable= placing worm in sunshine Ind. Variable= placing worm in sunshine Dep. Variable= seeing if the worm goes into the shade. Dep. Variable= seeing if the worm goes into the shade.

What is an Investigation?t Experiments or investigations test your hypothesis Experiments or investigations test your hypothesis The experiment tests ONE VARIABLE at a time The experiment tests ONE VARIABLE at a time (variable is a factor that changes) (variable is a factor that changes) EX: = sun/ shade, wet/dry, worm movement Experiments need a CONTROL GROUP (normal group) Experiments need a CONTROL GROUP (normal group) (control group is something to compare results to) (control group is something to compare results to) EX: = normal worms in filtered shade Constants: the parts of the lab that must remain the same EX: = dirt levels, temperature, type of soil, time

Types of Variables Independent Variable: Independent Variable: (YOU CONTROL) Variable (condition) that is manipulated (changed) during the experiment. Variable (condition) that is manipulated (changed) during the experiment. Example: worm in sun, shade, wet, dry Dependent Variable Dependent Variable: (YOU MEASURE) Is the data collected through observation and measurement Example: worm movement, how fast

Analyze Evidence  Generate charts, graphs, observations, describe results and refer back to the evidence. Generate Conclusions: What can you conclude from this evidence? Justify your conclusions with evidence from the inquiry. (This is argumentation) What can you conclude from this evidence? Justify your conclusions with evidence from the inquiry. (This is argumentation) Share and Communicate results with others.

Theory Theory = hypothesis supported by many experiments over time Examples of theories: Gravity or Evolution I am a Scientist!!