Scientific Methods An organized plan for gathering, organizing, and communicating information is called a scientific method. Scientific methods can vary from case to case, depending on the question and how the researcher decides to look for an answer. The goal of any scientific method is to solve a problem or to better understand an observed event.

Scientific Methods Here is an example of a scientific method. Each step uses specific skills. The order of steps can vary. Sometimes you will use all of the steps and other times only some of them.

Making Observations Forming a Hypothesis An observation is information that you obtain through your senses. Forming a Hypothesis A hypothesis is a proposed answer to a question. Testing a Hypothesis The manipulated (independent) variable causes a change. The responding (dependent) variable changes in response to the manipulated variable. A controlled experiment is an experiment in which only one variable, the manipulated variable, is deliberately changed at a time.

Scientific Methods Drawing Conclusions A conclusion describes how facts apply to a hypothesis. Developing a Theory A scientific theory is a well-tested explanation for a set of observations or experimental results. Scientific Law A scientific law is a statement that summarizes a pattern found in nature. The explanation of such a pattern is provided by a scientific theory.

Scientific Models A model is a representation of an object or event. A street map is a model of a city. Scientific models make it easier to understand things that might be too difficult to observe directly. Models help you visualize things that are too small to see, such as atoms, or things that are very large, such as the solar system. An example of a mental, rather than physical, model might be that comets are like giant snowballs, primarily made of ice.

Using Scientific Notation Why is scientific notation useful? Scientists often work with very large or very small numbers. Astronomers estimate there are 200,000,000,000 stars in our galaxy.

Using Scientific Notation Scientific notation is a way of expressing a value as the product of a number between 1 and 10 and a power of 10. For example, the speed of light is about 300,000,000 meters per second. In scientific notation, that speed is 3.0 × 108 m/s. The exponent, 8, tells you that the decimal point is really 8 places to the right of the 3.

Using Scientific Notation For numbers less than 1 that are written in scientific notation, the exponent is negative. For example, an average snail’s pace is 0.00086 meters per second. In scientific notation, that speed is 8.6 × 10-4 m/s. The negative exponent tells you how many decimals places there are to the left of the 8.6.

Using Scientific Notation To multiply numbers written in scientific notation: multiply the numbers that appear before the multiplication signs add the exponents This is about the distance between the sun and Earth.

Using Scientific Notation To divide numbers written in scientific notation: divide the numbers that appear before the multiplication signs subtract the exponents The following example demonstrates how to calculate the time it takes light from the sun to reach Earth.

Using Scientific Notation A rectangular parking lot has a length of 1.1 × 103 meters and a width of 2.4 × 103 meters. Q: What is the area of the parking lot? A: 2.64 × 106