Scientific Method

Scientific Method Essential Question: How is the Scientific Method used to formulate and answer questions in a logical and systematic way?

5 Steps in the Scientific Method Observations Hypothesis Test hypothesis/Experiment Collect & Analyzing data Evaluate results

1) Observations AKA question or problem. Ex. Can plants grow in acid? Used to create a hypothesis.

2) Hypothesis Must be testable A suggested solution to the problem. Format – If … Then … Because … statements EX: If a plant is placed in acid then it will not grow because acid is deadly to plants.

3) Test Hypothesis AKA Experiment A VALID experiment will have 2 variables

Variables Independent Variable – manipulated variable, the part of the experiment that is changed on purpose. EX: Acid ~ some plants are given acid, and some are not

Variables Dependent Variable – responding variable EX: Plant growth

Variables Continued… Constant - Variables that are kept the same. EX: Same plant, same amount of water & sunlight

Variables Continued… Control Group - Group NOT tested with the independent variable used as a comparison EX: Plants NOT given acid, used to compare the experimental group against

4) Collect & Analyzing Data Qualitative data– Data you observe Quantitative data – numbers; data you can count or measure

What type of data will be collected in our plant experiment?? Qualitative!!! Grown with acid Grown without acid

Scientific Method Practice Candy Connection

Graphing Data Three type of graphs to represent data

Line Graph shows change over time, shows patterns over time

Bar Graph shows comparisons of discrete data

Pie Chart shows parts of a whole

Think-Pair-Share…determine which type of graph would best represent the data

Check yourself : ) Pie Chart: shows parts of a whole Line Graph: shows changes over time Bar Graph: easily compare trials

Analyzing data depends on Graphing M I X ependent esponds -axis anipulate ndependent Choosing the best type of graph for the data Choosing a useful scale for the graph Labeling the graph

5) Evaluate Results Make Conclusions and answer the hypothesis based on the data Lantanas grown in acid do not grow.

The Simpsons Scientific Method Mix-Up

Scientific Theories & Laws

A theory can include MANY hypotheses Theories can be modified or disproven with new evidence Laws are FACT!!! Laws are usually a mathematical statement

Which is which?? Identify the following statements as theory or law. The universe began almost 14 billion years ago with a massive expansion event, known as the big bang. Newton established a connection between an object's mass (m) and its acceleration (a), in the form of the equation F = m × a.  According to most scientists, all life on Earth has a common ancestor. The diversity of life is caused by evolution.

The universe began almost 14 billion years ago. the big bang. THEORY The universe began almost 14 billion years ago.. the big bang. THEORY. Although there is a LOT of evidence to support this theory, scientists cannot go back in time to prove this. Newton… F = m × a. LAW. This mathematical equation has been tested over and over again and is PROVEN TRUE!! According to most scientists..evolution. THEORY. There is OVERWHEMING evidence for this theory and encompasses MANY hypotheses.

Scientific Method in action: Redi’s Experiment and Spontaneous Generation Spontaneous generation is the hypothesis that nonliving things are capable of producing life.  Video