Scientific Method

DIRECTIONS: After watching the video, answer the question below. Compare and contrast how using the scientific method in Earth Science class is different from using it in Physical Science class. Scientific Method 1

An Overview of the Scientific Method Unit One 2

Usually Starts with a Question or Observation Create a lists of questions or observations you made today. List at least five Scientific Method 3

Forming a Hypothesis DIRECTIONS: Using information from the video, anser these questions. What is the purpose of a hypothesis? How do we write a hypothesis? Where does the hypothesis come from? How will we know if we have proven or disproven the hypothesis? Unit One 4

Practice 5 Scientific Method Underline the two factors given in the questions and then write your hypothesis in an “If/then” format. 1. Can reading small print cause a headache? Hypothesis: 2. Does the amount of iron in the water affect plant growth? 3. Can plant growth be increased by increasing the brightness of the light? 4. Will toddlers grow taller if they drink more milk? 5. Will being in the sun too long without sunscreen cause skin cancer? 6. Will the apples be sweeter when the tree gets enough water? 7. Will test scores increase if studying is done every day? 8. Will mushrooms grow more if the moisture is increased? 9. Does consuming too much salt cause high blood pressure? 10. Will brushing your teeth for 10 minutes a day prevent cavities? Scientific Method 5

Identifying the Variables Define the following terms Dependent variable Independent variable Control group Experimental groups Controls Unit One 6

Practice 7 Scientific Method Directions: Identify the independent variable and dependent variable for each hypothesis. HINT: If (proceeds the independent variable), then (proceeds the dependent variable) Example: If dogs are fed treats, then they will bark less. Independent variable: Treats fed to dogs. Dependent variable: Less barking. 1. If plants are watered, then growth height will increase. Independent variable: Dependent variable: 2. If chocolate is given to teachers, then amount of homework will decrease. 3. If trees have leaves, then bird nests will increase. 4. If acid rain is in water, then fish population will increase. 5. If foods with calcium are eaten, then bone strength will increase. Directions: In the following statements identify the variables and write a hypothesis as an if/then statement. 6. What effect does high temperature have on radish germination? Hypothesis 7. What effect does studying with music have on student test scores? 8. What effect does food color have on the amount of food fish eat? 9. What effect does light have on plant growth? 10. What effect does smiling have on teacher giving no homework? Scientific Method 7

Process Skills Used in Science Observing- Use your senses to learn more about an object’s characteristics and properties. Communicating- Being able to describe an object’s properties and your investigation to others. Communicate with words, drawings, graphs and charts. Classifying- Sorting objects by size and other characteristics. Group objects by comparing their properties. Measuring- Use tools to gather measurements in length, weight, temperature and other units. Inferring- Create explanations based on your observations, experiences and prior knowledge. Predicting- Making an educated guess based on observations, inferences and prior knowledge. This is not a random guess. Unit One 8

Practice DIRECTIONS: Pick one of the examples on page 7 or 9 and design a lab that will prove/disprove the hypothesis. Scientific Method 9