The Scientific Inquiry Chapter 1 Section 3 Different ways scientists study the natural world

Scientific Method An organized set of investigation procedures used by scientists

Ask A Question Come up with a question based on an observation Scientific questions can be answered by making observations and gathering evidence NOT questions based on opinions, values, or judgments! Scientific Question or Personal Opinion? Does a horse or a donkey drink more water each day? Are pigs or ferrets better pets? Does a cricket chirp more when it is hot outside? Will more sugar be dissolved in water if the water temperature is higher?

Research Gather some background information before I experiment. Research online Read a book Ask a scientist

Form a Hypothesis An educated guess or testable prediction. Possible explanation for a scientific question Must be testable or observable – be able to gather evidence to support or disprove Multiple trials must be done to prove/disprove If _____[I do this] _____, then _____[this]_____ will happen." ...

Examples: If the water faucet is opened, then the amount of water flowing will increase.  If I raise the temperature of a cup of water, then the amount of sugar that can be dissolved in it will be increased.  If

Designing an experiment Only change ONE variable, all others must be controlled Manipulated variable/independent variable: purposely changed by the experimenter Responding variable/dependent variable: factor that may change in response to the manipulated/independent variable Control is what you compare the results Constants are the factors that do not change in an experiment Very clear on your writing

Examples: If I raise the temperature of a cup of water, then the amount of sugar that can be dissolved in it will be increased.  Manipulated/independent variable: Responding/dependent variable: If

Gather and Analyze Data Data- facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations Data should be organized in a table or by clear observations After you collect data you must interpret the data by using a graph Graphs can reveal patterns and/or trends

Summary of what you have learned by doing this experiment Drawing Conclusions Summary of what you have learned by doing this experiment State if your data supported or disproved your hypothesis

Communicating results Sharing your ideas and findings with others Writing and/or speaking Helps others doing similar work

Include something you would change if you could do it again Further Research Include something you would change if you could do it again

How science develops Models- A model is a picture, diagram, computer image, or other representation of an object or process Example: solar system

Theory vs. Law Scientific Theory- Explanation based on experiments – most logical explanation. Future evidence may not support the theory. It may be modified or discarded. Ex. Black Hole Theory Scientific Law- Rule of nature that sums up related observations to describe a pattern of nature. Has been verified over and over again. Ex. Law of Gravity

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