Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 1

Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations Florida Benchmarks SC.7.N.1.1 Define a problem from the seventh grade curriculum, use appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigation of various types, such as systematic observations of experiments, identify variables, collect and organize data, interpret data in charts, tables, and graphics, analyze information, make predictions, and defend conclusions. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 2

Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations Florida Benchmarks SC.7.N.1.2 Differentiate replication (by others) from repetition (multiple trials). SC.7.N.1.3 Distinguish between an experiment (which must involve the identification and control of variables) and other forms of scientific investigation and explain that not all scientific knowledge is derived from experimentation. SC.7.N.1.4 Identify test variables (independent variables) and outcome variables (dependent variables) in an experiment. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 3

Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations Florida Benchmarks SC.7.N.1.5 Describe the methods used in the pursuit of a scientific explanation as seen in different fields of science such as biology, geology, and physics. LA.6.4.2.2 The student will record information (e.g., observations, notes, lists, charts, legends) related to a topic, including visual aids to organize and record information and include a list of sources used. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 4

Parts of a Whole What are some types of scientific investigations? Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations Parts of a Whole What are some types of scientific investigations? Two basic types of scientific investigations are experiments and observations. Experiments are often based on observations. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 5

What are some types of scientific investigations? Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations What are some types of scientific investigations? An experiment is an organized procedure to study something under controlled conditions. Many experiments are done in a laboratory, where variables are easier to control. Experiments are also done in the field, where it is easier to show how certain processes act in nature. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 6

What are some types of scientific investigations? Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations What are some types of scientific investigations? Some scientific investigations involve only observation. Observation is the process of obtaining information by using the senses. Making a model may be part of a scientific investigation. Models are useful for studying things that are very small, large, or complex. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 7

Parts of a Whole What are some parts of scientific investigations? Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations Parts of a Whole What are some parts of scientific investigations? Scientific investigations share certain basic elements. A hypothesis is a testable explanation that leads to a scientific investigation. To be useful, a hypothesis has to be testable in a practical and meaningful way. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 8

What are some parts of scientific investigations? Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations What are some parts of scientific investigations? The factors that change in a scientific investigation are called the variables. An independent variable is also called the test variable, and is the factor that is deliberately changed in the experiment. A dependent variable is also called the outcome variable, and is the factor that changes as a result of how the independent variable is changed. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 9

What are some parts of scientific investigations? Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations What are some parts of scientific investigations? Data are information gathered by observation or experimentation that can be used in calculating or reasoning. Scientists analyze data to understand the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable. Based on their analysis of the data, scientists draw conclusions about the hypothesis. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 10

Many Methods What are some scientific methods? Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations Many Methods What are some scientific methods? Scientific investigations do not always follow exactly the same steps in the same order. Some of the steps can be repeated. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 11

What are some scientific methods? Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations What are some scientific methods? Here are some steps in scientific methods: Defining a problem Forming a hypothesis and making predictions Planning an investigation Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 12

What are some scientific methods? Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations What are some scientific methods? Identifying variables Collecting and organizing data Interpreting data and analyzing information Drawing and defending conclusions Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 13

Make It Work How are scientific methods used? Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations Make It Work How are scientific methods used? Scientists determine the best way to test a hypothesis, choosing an experiment, an observation, or a combination of both. Even when an investigation does not support a hypothesis, the data can help scientists shape future investigations. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 14

How are scientific methods used? Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations How are scientific methods used? Scientists often go through many cycles of testing and analyzing before they arrive at a hypothesis that is supported. The scientific method can be used to help scientists learn about animals that died out millions of years ago. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 15

How are scientific methods used? Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations How are scientific methods used? Finding more fossils can provide the data scientists need to support their hypotheses. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 16

Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations Quality Control What are some characteristics of good scientific investigations? Certain checks help ensure that good scientific practices are followed. Experiments must be verified by repetition and replication. Results must be reviewed by other scientists not involved in the investigation. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 17

How is repetition different from replication? Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations How is repetition different from replication? Repetition is done when the same scientist repeats the study in the same location. Replication is done when other scientists reproduce the study in different locations. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 18

How can you evaluate the quality of scientific information? Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations How can you evaluate the quality of scientific information? Peer-reviewed scientific journals are the most reliable. Books written by scientists about their field of study are trustworthy. Government or academic web pages are the most reliable Internet sources. Commercial web pages are often unreliable. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company 19