Understanding the world around us through the Scientific Method

Scientific Method Notes Goals of science: To investigate, understand, and explain the natural world To predict future events using explanations

Scientific Method Notes Observation: use of the five senses to gather information (data) a. quantitative: characteristic that involves numbers (counting or measuring) b. qualitative: characteristic that is descriptive (does not involve numbers)

2 Types of Observations Qualitative Observation: an observation that is descriptive. The cat ran quickly. The plant appeared to be shriveled. The road is long. Quantitative Observation: an observation that is based on measurement. The cat weighs 4 pounds. The plant is 45 mm tall. The road is 5 km long.

Agree/disagree? 1. Given the same set of evidence, most scientists will arrive at the same conclusion. 2. Every scientific question has a single correct answer.

Today, you are a paleontologist

Fossil dinosaur tracks Near NYC Your task: reconstruct what happened Your dig site: Fossil dinosaur tracks Near NYC Your task: reconstruct what happened What first step should we take?

Make 2 observations of what you see. Type your observations in your notes, below.

2 qualitative observations 2 quantitative observations Given this new evidence, make: 2 qualitative observations 2 quantitative observations Adapted from Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science. (1998). Washington, DC: National Academy Press. 87-89

Adapted from Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science. (1998). Washington, DC: National Academy Press. 87-89

____ There are six dinosaurs. ____ The climate is warm. monstermarketplace.com ____ There are six dinosaurs. ____ The climate is warm. ____ The volcano is erupting. ____ The T-rex is chasing another dinosaur. ____ Two dinosaurs are flying, and four are walking. ____ There are several tree-like plants with green-colored leaves.

Scientific Method Notes 2. hypothesis: possible explanation for a set of observations; possible answer to a scientific question

Scientific Method Notes 3. experiment: test of a hypothesis control: experimental factor that stays the same in all tests variable: experimental factor that changes between tests Change only one variable at a time!

Scientific Method Notes 4. results: written record of observations and measurements (data) from an experiment Example: notes, graphs, tables and charts

Scientific Method Notes 5. Conclusion: uses results to show that the hypothesis was supported (correct) or rejected (incorrect) Includes error analysis A good scientist would repeat his/her experiment several times and then publish the results so other scientists can repeat it as well!

Scientific Method Notes 6. Theory: hypothesis that is supported by evidence from many experiments Allows scientists to make predictions about future events NOT a fact – it may be revised or replaced

Recap of Scientific Method Observe ==> Question Research Develop a Hypothesis Experiment Collect/Analyze Data Conclusion Repeat

Turn to you’re A/B partner Explain the steps of the Scientific Method to your neighbor. A goes first. Then B.