The Scientific Method

Additional Resources Bozeman Biology Scientific Method Podcast: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKGtkzgKfkc

The Method Observe Question Hypothesize Test Conclusion

1) Observation Begin by observing a problem Observations can be of everyday life, nature, space, etc. The physical world/universe

2) Question The question/problem must be: Correct Example: Specific Comparative Testable Correct Example: Will water leak out of a bottle with a hole in the side when compared to a bottle with no hole? Incorrect Example: Is the Mona Lisa more beautiful than The Blue Boy?

Write a Comparative Question We will be testing how quickly antacids dissolve in different water samples. Write a comparative question for the above experiment that you can test.

3) Hypotheses A list of all possible outcomes in an experiment One of these outcomes includes your own prediction of what will happen. Example: Water will leak out of a bottle with a hole in the side and not the bottle without a hole. Water will not leak out a bottle with a hole in the side and not the bottle without a hole. Water will leak out of a bottle with a hole in the side and will leak out the bottle without a hole. Water will not leak out a bottle with a hole in the side and will leak out the bottle without a hole

Hypotheses Practice Write the all hypotheses for your antacid experiment Identify which hypothesis is your prediction

3) Test Must address your question Must be repeatable 2 groups (one for each part of your comparison): Independent variable – the 1 difference between the 2 group The scientist intentionally adds or removes something from one group; this is recorded as data Dependent variable – changes that occur during the experiment This is recorded as data

Tests What is the independent variable in the sample bottle experiment? What is the dependent variable in the bottle experiment? What is the independent variable in your antacid experiment? What is the dependent variable you expect to record in your antacid experiment?

Experimental Error The study of life can be difficult, mistakes will happen Avoidable error Unavoidable error

There are many sources of error (next to each type put whether they are avoidable or unavoidable) Not following instructions = _______ Disease = _______ Measuring mistakes = _______ unpredictable animal behavior = _______ Death = _______ human error = _______

5) Conclusion An analysis of the data collected during the experiment Explanation of what happened Explain the results and compare them to your hypotheses Scientists will often publish their work to share with the world, and to make sure they get credit for their discovery

Mythbusters Did they do the science the correct way? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tmut9NOtvnY Identify: Observation, question, hypotheses, test, independent variable, dependent variable, & conclusions What could they have done better?