Data Collection
Recording Data and Results…. all data, including measurements and observations, are carefully recorded throughout experiments. Once an experiment is complete, the data must be written in such a way that it can be studied or analyzed. Data will either support or reject scientific hypotheses. Communicating scientific data and results allows others to learn of new discoveries, to possibly verify what has been reported, and to conduct new experiments using the information.
Graphing Data…. 3 Main Types of Graphs Bar Graph: used to compare things between different groups. Line Graph: shows trends over time. Can have two variables on one graph. Pie Graph: aka Circle graph. Shows percentages or parts of a whole.
Independent vs. Dependent Variable Graphing variables…. Independent vs. Dependent Variable Independent x axis (horizontal) what you manipulate or test Examples: year, time of day, class period Dependent Y axis (vertical) The result of what you are testing Number of deer, temperature, number of students
Dependent Variable Independent Variable
Bar graph Independent variable on x-axis, dependent variable on y-axis
Line Graph Independent variable on x-axis, dependent variable on y-axis
Pie Graph Shows parts of a whole or percentages. Always label with percents and names.
Graphing Reminders…. When creating graphs be sure to: Have a title that describes what your data represents Have an x-axis label with units Have a y-axis label with units Have a key/legend if there are multiple sets of data Have the scale/numbers increasing incrementally (equally) on the axes Use a break symbol ( )if necessary Helpful Websites http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/Graphing/
Models Creating Models…. Sometimes data or ideas is represented through the construction of models A representation of an object, idea, or system. i.e. - diagram of a cell, the solar system, or a map.
Writing Lab Reports…. Lab Reports YES! Includes ALL information regarding your research. Observation, problem, research, hypothesis, experimentation, data and analysis, and conclusion. What if your hypothesis was incorrect? Do you still write a report? YES!
Lab Report Template Title: * a brief, concise, yet descriptive title Statement of the Problem: * What question(s) are you trying to answer? * Include any preliminary observations or background information about the subject Hypothesis: * Write a possible solution for the problem. * Make sure this possible solution is a complete sentence. * Make sure the statement is testable. Materials: * Make a list of ALL items used in the lab.
Lab Report Template (Cont.) Procedure: * Write a paragraph (complete sentences) which explains what you did in the lab. * Your procedure should be written so that anyone else could repeat the experiment. Results (Data): * This section should include any data tables, observations, or additional notes you make during the lab. * You may attach a separate sheet(s) if necessary. * All tables, graphs and charts should be labeled appropriately
Lab Report Template (Cont.) Conclusions: * Accept or reject your hypothesis. * EXPLAIN why you accepted or rejected your hypothesis using data from the lab. * Include a summary of the data - averages, highest, lowest..etc to help the reader understand your results * List one thing you learned and describe how it applies to a real-life situation. *Discuss possible errors that could have occurred in the collection of the data (experimental errors)
Scientific laws describe things. They do not explain them. Scientific Law and Theory…. Scientific Law – basic fact that describes the behavior of a natural phenomenon i.e. – law of gravity Experimentation can help us better understand scientific laws and can help elevate hypotheses into theories. Scientific laws describe things. They do not explain them. Typically explains the observations but not necessarily the reason behind the observation.Newton's third law? "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction". First law: The velocity of a body remains constant unless the body is acted upon by an external force.[3][4][5] Second law: The acceleration a of a body is parallel and directly proportional to the net force F and inversely proportional to the mass m, i.e., F = ma. Third law: The mutual forces of action and reaction between two bodies are equal, opposite and collinear.
Does this mean theories are fact and will never be disproven? Scientific Theory – well supported explanation that has been tested repeatedly Does this mean theories are fact and will never be disproven? NO…just means best current explanation to a problem based on latest evidence…with new information and discovery…even theories can be disproven. Examples – Earth is flat, the Earth is the center of the Solar System