Scientific Method Pre Lab

Observing a system. A system is a given region of space that has been selected for study Observing is the use of the 5 senses to obtain information. data may be qualitative: descriptive quantitative: numerical

Observation versus Inference Observation: 5 senses: see, hear, touch, taste, smell. Inference: Conclusions drawn from your observations. I smell something flowery. Observation I am in a rose garden. Inference

Qualitative vs Quantitative The quality of an item. Beauty, goodness, color etc. A non-numerical assessment. Quantitative Results in a definite form. Usually as number with units $5,694.56

Hypothesis Hypotheses are often “if-then” statements. An Educated guess. Scientists make generalizations based on the data. Hypotheses are often “if-then” statements.

Test or Experiment Testing a hypothesis requires experimentation that provides data to support or refute a hypothesis or theory. Controls are the conditions that remain constant. Variables are any conditions that change.

Make Observations Look at the results of your experiments. We call those results Data!

Compare your results with your original Hypothesis. Do they agree or not. If not, you need to alter your hypothesis. You never alter your results to fit your hypotheisis

Theory If the hypothesis holds up after repeated tests, it may graduate to become a … Theory In Modern Science, Theories are published in peer review journals to be reviewed by other scientists.

1. Make Observations 2. Form an hypothesis 3. Test the hypothesis 4. Make Observations 5. Compare to original hypothesis. Alter hypothesis if needed 6. If Repeated tests agree with hypothesis, A theory is created.