Do Now 8/19 This car won’t start: What are some possible reasons? (give at least 2) How could you test these guesses?

Scientific Methods 2014

“Great science meets at the boundary where “Great science meets at the boundary where exact observation confronts leaping imagination”

Science … Is a process of discovery about our natural world. Is quantitative. Is collaborative. Involves observation and/or experimentation. A logical, organized mechanism for identifying and researching a problem and developing a strategy for solving it.

Steps of the Scientific Method Observing and asking questions DEFINE THE PROBLEM Background/Research Determine Variables Hypothesizing Experimenting (Procedure) Analyzing Data Drawing Conclusions (Discussion)

Scientific Method Steps from Video Take notes from Video at 5:00 minute mark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKGtkzgKfkc

Observing and Asking Questions Scientists often begin the road of scientific exploration through observing. Then, scientists pose a question or questions based on their observations. Example: Why is the amphipod capturing the sea butterfly?

Observing and Asking Questions Scientists often begin the road of scientific exploration through observing.

Observation vs Inference What is the difference? How to make good observations before and during an experiment: TAKE NOTES while conducting an experiment! Poem

Background and Variables You need to collect what you already know and see what other information is needed before you can begin to set up an experiment.

Variables The process of testing a hypothesis by gathering data under controlled conditions. The control group is compared with the experimental group. These groups are identical except for one factor: the independent variable. The dependent variable, or result, is driven by the independent variable Example: Sea butterfly biscuits…

Identify the groups and variables… Mr. Collins enjoys listening to disco music in his classroom. He has noticed that his plants are dying, and suspects that the disco music is to blame. He designs an experiment where one group of plants is kept in a room with 24 hours of disco music. The other group is kept in a silent room. All factors (light, water, soil, etc…), remain the same for both groups. Independent variable: Dependent variable: Control Variable Control Group

Testing your Variables I will hold two objects (a piece of paper and a ball) and ask you which will drop to the ground first. Three experiments. You predict the outcome based on your knowledge of gravity. Galileo and leaning tower Was your prediction correct?

Hypothesizing Once scientists have observed and asked questions, will pose a hypothesis: a statement that explains their observations and can be tested. (usually an if-then- because statement) Example: Amphipods capture sea butterflies for protection from predators.

Procedure You’ve done your research and are now ready to setup and start experimenting. The procedure needs to be very detailed. You should be able to give the instructions to a 3rd grader for them to perform.

Analyzing Data The process of determining whether data support the hypothesis. Analysis often involves the use of graph, charts, and statistics. Eaten by fish Spit out by fish Butterfly biscuit Non-butterfly biscuit

Graphing Instructions Include: A clear graph title that anyone can understand. Labels on the x and y axes. Numerical scale on each axis (if necessary).

Graphing Instructions Include: A clear graph title that anyone can understand. Labels on the x and y axes. Numerical scale on each axis (if necessary).

Graphing Hints ALWAYS: Title your graph. Label the x- and y-axes. Include a numerical scale. Use pencil. Use color only to enhance or emphasize the data. Be neat.

Drawing Conclusions Finally, scientists produce an explanation supported by data. This explanation may support or refute the hypothesis. After many related hypotheses have been tested and supported, a theory may be formed. A theory is a broad and comprehensive statement of what is thought to be true. Examples: The Theory of Evolution

Science in Real-life In real-life situations, scientists do not follow one single method of asking questions. They combine the processes of the scientific method in a way that is best suited to answer their questions. A biologist in the field works much differently than one in the lab.

Communication Scientists do not work alone. They share results by publishing findings in journals or presenting them at scientific meetings. Communication allows scientists to build on the work of others. Example: Biologists specializing in amphipod and sea butterfly interactions.