The Scientific Method

Major Concepts Understand the scientific method and the steps of the process. Understand what a scientific theory is and how it is different from a hypothesis. Understand the parts of a microscope and how to use them correctly.

The Scientific Method Science is a body of knowledge and a way of knowing things. It is an attempt to understand the world in which we live. The universal approach to solving scientific problems is called the scientific method.

Steps of the Scientific Method 1) Asking Questions based on Observations! 2) Forming a Hypothesis - statement of prediction - usually in an “If…Then” format Ex: “If a plant is not watered, then it will die.”

Steps of the Sci. Method 3) Setting up a Controlled Experiment - must contain: Control group: Group kept under normal conditions Independent variable: what you have control over changing Dependent variable: the result/outcome - Only one variable should be changed!

Steps of the Sci. Method 4) Collecting and Organizing Data - Usually in a data table 5) Drawing Conclusions! - may be supported or rejected, but never proven!

Other Terminology Inferences- Conclusions based on observations made during an experiment. Assumptions- The belief that something is true, not based on data or results. Opinions- Ideas people may have or not have that are not necessarily factual. These may be biased (influenced by an assumption).

Scientific Theories If a hypothesis is supported by evidence over and over again, it may become a theory. Very rarely does this actually happen!

Scientific Tools Light Microscope - shoots regular white light through the specimen Electron Microscope - shoots electrons (electricity) through the specimen - gives extremely detailed pictures!

Electron Microscope Picture