Introduction to Scientific Investigations (Pages 24 – 47)

Benchmarks SC.6.N.2.2 Explain that scientific knowledge is durable because it is open to change as new evidence or interpretations are encountered. SC.7.N.1.6 Explain that empirical evidence is the cumulative body of observations of a natural phenomenon on which scientific explanations are based. SC.7.N.1.7 Explain that scientific knowledge is the result of a great deal of debate and confirmation within the science community. SC.7.N.2.1 Identify an instance from the history of science in which scientific knowledge has changed when new evidence or new interpretations are encountered. SC.8.N.1.6 Understand that scientific investigations involve the collection of relevant empirical evidence; the use of logical reasoning; and the application of imagination in devising hypotheses, predictions, explanations, and models to make sense of the collected evidence.

Does Science Change? Science is TENTATIVE - constantly changing as new questions are asked, new ideas are explored, and technology advances Scientific Inquiry – the way scientists question and explore new ideas

What is are the “steps” of a scientific investigation? There is no set of steps that must be completed in order; science is not linear There are basic components

What are the components of the scientific process? Problem Ask a question What is the effect of ____ on ____? Always written in question format

What are the components of the scientific process? Research What do you need to know, what do you already know, build your knowledge Number of resources

What are the components of the scientific process? Hypothesis A possible explanation or answer to a question If (IV) then (DV) because… Independent Variable – the thing you intentionally change, also called tested variable Dependent Variable – the thing that will change because of the IV, also called outcome variable, the thing you measure (data)

What are the components of the scientific process? Experiment Test out your hypothesis Variables – the things that change Constants – the things that remain the same (also called controlled variables) Control group – the one used for comparison Trials – repeat the experiment (ideally 10 trials)

What are the components of the scientific process? Experiment (cont.) Record DATA gathered by observing or making inferences Observation – 5 senses Quantitative = numbers Qualitative = description Inference – explanation based on patterns or past experience

What are the components of the scientific process? Data Analysis (Results) Study your data charts, graphs and tables to see what your experiment revealed IV = x-axis DV = y-axis

What are the components of the scientific process? Conclusion Was your hypothesis right? What data supports/rejects your hypothesis? How would you improve your experiment? Paragraph format (8-10 sentences)

What do I do after an investigation? Peer Review – allow others to evaluate your experiment/findings Publish - communicate your findings with other scientists and public (journals, meetings, Internet) Replication – other scientists perform your experiment and get similar results