An Introduction to the Inquiry Process The Scientific Method An Introduction to the Inquiry Process

process scientists use to answer questions and solve problems. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD!!! A step-by-step process scientists use to answer questions and solve problems. The steps of the Scientific Method are:

The Scientific Method The Scientific Method involves 5 steps: Observation Question Hypothesis Procedure Data Conclusion

Introduction to the Scientific Process Identify a problem Gather Information Formulate a hypothesis Analyze Data Record and Organize Data Design and Experiment Draw Conclusions Use conclusions to develop a new hypothesis

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD 1) Research Question: The problem or issue you want to learn more about. 2) Hypothesis: Testable Prediction that follows from your research question that can be tested and evaluated. 3) Methods: What will be your procedures for testing your hypothesis? 4) Data Collection: Record observations regarding data related to the problem you are interested in. 5) Inferences/Interpretation What can you say about your hypothesis based on your observations? Is your hypothesis supported by your observations? 6) Sharing your conclusions Scientists write reports and give presentations to inform others about their research!

The Scientific Method Observation Asking questions and making inferences Inference: Making an assumption based on prior knowledge

An example of an observation: The Scientific Method An example of an observation: Noticing that many salamanders near a pond have curved, not straight, tails Inference: Salamanders usually have straight tails but these have curved. Something must be causing these tails to be curved. It could be any environmental factor.

The Scientific Method Suggested solution to the problem. Must be testable If…Then…statement Predicts an outcome

Example of a hypothesis The Scientific Method Example of a hypothesis might be that the salamanders have curved tails due to a pollutant in the moist soil where they live.

A procedure to test the hypothesis. The Scientific Method Experiment A procedure to test the hypothesis.

Scientific Experiments Follow Rules An experimenter changes one factor and observes or measures what happens.

The Control Variable Experimenters keep other factors constant so that they will not effect the outcome. Those factors are called control variables.

What is the Purpose of a Control? Controls are NOT being tested Controls are used for COMPARISON

Other Variables The factor that is manipulated is the independent variable. The factor that is measured or observed is the dependent variable.

Example of Controls & Variables For example, suppose you want to figure out the fastest route to walk home from school. You will try several different routes and time how long it takes you to get home by each one. Since you are only interested in finding a route that is fastest for you, you will do the walking yourself.

What are the Variables in Your Experiment? Varying the route is the independent variable The time it takes is the dependent variable Keeping the same walker throughout makes the walker a control variable.

One more thing… it is best to make several trials with each independent variable.

Remember: To be a Valid Experiment: Two groups are required: Control Group Experimental group Only one variable should be tested Variable – factor in the experiment that is being tested

Data The Scientific Method Recorded results of the experiment May be quantitative (numbers) or qualitative (descriptive) Ahhh—Look at this!

Data Must be organized Can be organized into charts, tables, or graphs The Scientific Method Data Must be organized Can be organized into charts, tables, or graphs

The Scientific Method Conclusion The answer to the hypothesis based on the data obtained from the experiment

In order to verify the results, experiments must repeatable. The Scientific Method Retest In order to verify the results, experiments must repeatable.

Solving a Problem Communicate results ASK a question State Observations Form a Hypothesis (if…then…) Design an Experiment Collect Data Form a Conclusion Retest Communicate results

Scientific Theories Summarizes a hypothesis that have been supported with repeated testing. Example: The theory of evolution A lot of evidence to support it, but it is still just a theory