The Scientific Method scientific method noun :principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses

I’m going to be late.....AGAIN! The Problem: I’m going to be late.....AGAIN! problem noun : a question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution Example: You go to leave for school in the morning and your car won’t start

Observations & Background Research observation noun : an act of recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence research noun :the collecting of information about a particular subject Hi Mr. Beardsley! I’m having car trouble. My car won’t start and the lights won’t come on either

Hypothesis hypothesis noun : an educated guess The Battery is Dead

WEAR GOGGLES! BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID! Experiment experiment noun : an operation or procedure carried out under controlled conditions in order to test a hypothesis WEAR GOGGLES! BATTERIES CONTAIN SULFURIC ACID!

Collect Data Make more observations data noun : factual information such as measurements Make more observations Are my lights coming on? Is the engine turning over?

Only test one variable at a time!

The independent (or manipulated) variable is something that the experimenter purposely changes or varies over the course of the investigation. The dependent (or responding) variable is the one that is observed and likely changes in response to the independent variable. https://www.mansfieldct.org/Schools/MMS/staff/hand/Testblqs.htm

Draw Conclusions conclusion noun : a reasoned judgment or inference

Theory theory noun : a scientifically accepted general principle or body of principles offered to explain phenomena or a scientific model If a hypothesis is tested repeatedly and experimentation always leads to the same conclusion, a theory may be developed.

When a theory can be proven with no doubts Law law noun : a statement of an order or relation of phenomena that so far as is known is invariable When a theory can be proven with no doubts

The Scientific Method The Oxford English Dictionary says that scientific method is: "a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses. The scientific method starts with the need to answer a question, so we ask that needed question. In order to start to get the answer, we need to do some background research about the question or problem for which we are seeking an answer. This research might be done in the library, in textbooks or most frequently on the internet. Search engines like Google are available on nearly every browser. From the background information acquired, we then propose a hypothesis which is a reasonable assumption of the answer to our problem. The next step is to test our hypothesis or assumption with experimentation. We run some tests and collect the data from the tests. We next examine the data collected. This is often done by using spreadsheets of data and drawing graphs to allow us to draw conclusions from the data collected. If the data proves our hypothesis to be true, then we report the results. If the data indicated that the hypothesis is false or only partly true, we may want to rethink our hypothesis and try again with further experimental testing. http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_scientific_method.shtml http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method

Standards for Technological Literacy Standard 8: Attributes of Design The engineering design process includes Defining a problem, Brainstorming, Researching and generating ideas, Identifying criteria and specifying constraints, Exploring possibilities, Selecting an approach, Developing a design proposal, Making a model or prototype, Testing and evaluating the design using specifications, Refining the design, Creating or making it, and Communicating processes and results NOTE: The process is iterative and different steps are revisited as necessary in order to arrive at a solution. The engineering design process is a bit different. It takes one or more of the proven hypotheses from the scientific method and seeks to build it into something useful for the benefit of mankind. The The engineering design process includes Defining a problem, Brainstorming, Researching and generating ideas, Identifying criteria and specifying constraints, Exploring possibilities, Selecting an approach, Developing a design proposal, Making a model or prototype, Testing and evaluating the design using specifications, Refining the design, Creating or making it, and Communicating processes and results NOTE: The process is iterative and different steps are revisited as necessary in order to arrive at a solution. International Technology Education Association (ITEA). (2000). Standards for Technological Literacy: Content for the Study of Technology. Reston, VA: Author.

NASA Model of Engineering Design Process This process can be placed in graphic form as illustrated here. These steps include: Identify the problem Identify Criteria and Constraints Brainstorm Possible solutions Generate Ideas Explore Possibilities Select an Approach Build a Model or Prototype Refine the Design Repeat the cycle if needed.

Tufts University Example of Engineering Design Process The process repetition is illustrated more precisely in this Engineering Design Process Diagram prepared by Tufts University.