Three methods used in science How is Data Collected? Three methods used in science

What is data? A collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn. The data collected depends on what question is being asked. Data can be collected by a variety of methods.

Methods of Data Collection Physically – Data is collected through direct observations or experiments Remotely – Data is recorded by any mechanical device and transmitted to the researcher Archives and Databases - Where the researcher looks at pre-existing data that may or may not have been analyzed previously

Physically It is through direct observation that we begin to understand how things work. Before modern technology, scientists had to observe nature in order to understand it. Through these observations, scientists were able to better understand nature and develop important theories.

Physically It is through direct observation that we begin to understand how things work. Leonardo da Vinci took a scientific approach to art when he used cadavers to study the anatomy of the human body. He used this knowledge to draw figures that were anatomically correct. Image Source: Pubic Domain

Physically Charles Darwin spent 5 years traveling with the HMS Beagle in order to write about the natural history of the places the HMS Beagle visited. His most famous observations took place on the Galapagos Islands. His scientific observations and data collection from the Galapagos helped him develop his Theory of Evolution.

Physically In modern times we still use observations to help us understand not just nature but also new technologies In order to explore space, scientists must perform experiments on a multitude of systems before we can send humans and technologies into space. Through these observations the scientists gather data which will help them understand these systems and help ensure the safety of the expedition into space.

Physically NASA does extensive field testing to help develop technologies that our astronauts will be using in future trips to the moon and maybe Mars. Ensuring the success of the Constellation 12 minutes Developing and testing the tools an Astronaut needs 6 minutes

Remotely When observations and data collection cannot take place physically, scientists rely on modern technology to perform observations and experiments. It is very important for research that occurs in extreme environments like the deep ocean or in space. Observations are usually done with devices that can be safely placed wherever the research needs to be done.

Remotely Astronomy and The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Land based telescopes need to be located far away from cities because of the light pollution that is emitted from buildings. The top picture shows the night sky from a rural location where there is little light pollution. The bottom picture shows the same region from an urban location that is surrounded by city lights.

Remotely Astronomy and The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Land based telescopes need to be located far away from cities because of the light pollution that is emitted from buildings. A nighttime view of the earth showing the vast amount of light pollution coming from populated areas.

Remotely Astronomy and The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) The HST was built so that astronomers can get a clear picture of space from a location that has no light pollution. This gives astronomers the best view of what is out in space. 3 minute video

Remotely Other space observatories - SOHO, TRACE, Hinode The great thing about technology is that it lets scientists observe things that cannot be seen by the naked eye. Research on our neighboring star, the sun, has greatly improved with the use of these observatories.

Remotely Other space observatories - SOHO, TRACE, Hinode Colors and Motions of the Sun 14 minutes Video created by: Created by Jay M. Pasachoff. Video produced by the Office of Information Technology, Williams College.

Archives and Databases Because science is done all over the world, scientists sometimes will depend on data that has already been collected. This data can be used to replicate an experiment that has been done before. It can be used to analyze data that was not analyzed when it was collected. It can also be used to look at trends over a period of time.

Archives and Databases Social scientists use data collected over a period of time to look at trends. Every year the U.S. Government collects data from the many counties and cities in the country. This is made readily available for anyone to look at and analyze.

Archives and Databases

Archives and Databases When the U.S. Government funds science, the data collected is made available to the general public. The following are some websites where you can look at data and images pertaining to the study of the sun. SOHO TRACE Hinode Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

In closing… Data is collected in many different ways Data helps us see things in an entirely different way Data gives us a better idea of what is occurring, what has occurred, or what might occur Data helps scientists answer questions they have. Data helps to define many of the things we see around us

Activity – What do you really know about the solar system? You will be playing the part of a young astronomer that is interested in learning more about our solar system. Since data has already been collected about the solar system, you will be doing some research to collect data which pertians to the planets of our solar system. In addition, you will collect data on the dwarf planet Pluto. You will then analyze this data to learn about some of the properties of the planets and Pluto.

Orbital/Revolution Period (Earth years) Mercury Venus Earth Mars Jupiter Saturn Uranus Neptune Pluto Diameter (km) Mean Distance from Sun (AU) Escape Velocity (km/s) Orbital/Revolution Period (Earth years) Surface Gravity (m/s2) Density (kg/m3) Minimum Distance Maximum Distance from Sun Rotation Period about Axis (Earth days)