Standard S7CS9 Students will investigate the features of the process of scientific inquiry.

Learning Target I can explain the scientific method.

The Scientific Method

When we look at our natural world…. We make observations. From these observations, we often find ourselves faced with a problem. Scientists use the scientific method to find answers to these problems. We will explore the problem solving tool known as the scientific method, but first, what are observations?

An observation is when we use our five senses. What is an observation? An observation is when we use our five senses.

Find the five senses

Why are observations important? Read “The Elephant Poem” and Discuss Observations are what lead to questions that we want answered and are also made while gathering data during an experiment.

Is this what an elephant looks like?

What is an inference? An inference is a conclusion based upon observation and past experiences. Make an inference concerning the pictures below. (It is how you interpret what you have observed.)

Doing What Scientist Do Using the Scientific Method

You have been learning your whole life by using many of the steps that scientist use to learn about things.

Observations You learn by watching, listening, tasting, smelling, or touching things. Scientists call these observations.

Problem Often you think of a question based upon the observation(s). Scientists call this question the problem.

Gather Information/Research Go to the library to get books, use the computer, talk to informed individuals, possibly write to companies to gather information about your topic. Keep notes concerning this information.

Inferences, Prediction and Hypothesis A hypothesis is a prediction based upon observations and knowledge gained from research. A prediction is what you think will happen. Think of meteorologist. What do they predict?

Form a Hypothesis The hypothesis is reached based upon past knowledge or experience and/or what was learned from the research. The hypothesis MUST be TESTABLE and written in the form of a statement. Write what you think will happen in your experiment. (This is your prediction.)

Design the Experiment List all needed materials AND Write out the steps or procedures of your experiment.

Perform the Experiment The experiment has variables . Control--The control is the STANDARD to which the independent variable is tested or compared. Manipulated/Independent--This is the variable that is TESTED or changed. Responding/Dependent--This is the variable that responds or what happens because of the INDEPENDENT/MANIPULATED variable Constants are all other variables that do not change.

Analyze the Data from the Experiment Analyze all DATA that has been recorded in a LOG book and come to or form a conclusion. This may be placed in a graph for easier reading.

Draw or Form a Conclusion Write what you have learned about the problem as it relates to your hypothesis. The data may or may not support the hypothesis. The hypothesis may need to be revised.

Share the Results or Findings Finally----- Share the Results or Findings

Way to Remember the Steps People = Problem Raise = Research Horses = Hypothesis Pigs = Procedure (Experiment) And = Analyze Data Cows = Conclusion and Communicate

Problem Research Hypothesis Design Experiment Perform Experiment Analyze Conclusion

Scientific Method Flow Chart You will create a flowchart of the steps of the scientific method. The steps must be in order with something indicating the “flow.” Each step should have an explanation and a graphic depicting that step. CAUTION: You will get ONE sheet of paper, so do a “sloppy copy” before beginning the final flow chart.

Don’t Forget A Title Make the flowchart BIG, BOLD, BRIGHT, and BEAUTIFUL:) Use a Straight Edge to Make Lines Straight

Daily Science Identify the following parts of the Scientific Method: A. Why is the Smart Board not working? B. 1. Gather Materials. 2. Pour 5 mL of water in a beaker. 3. Add 2 mL of bromothymol blue. C. Rain was falling on the fields. D. The SmartBoard port needs to be connected. E. The study in the science journal confirmed that five out of eight middle school students preferred chocolate ice cream over vanilla.

Daily Science Identify: A. The sunset is a brilliant orange. B. Sally’s mother always left work at 6:00 and it was now 6:05. Since the lights were off in the house, Sally said that her mother was not at home. C. Before the game began, the sportscaster stated that the home team would win.