Earth Science Chapter 1 Section 2 Methods of Scientists Earth Science Chapter 1 Section 2

Nature of Scientific Investigations Scientist gather data in The field In the lab Scientific methods A series of problem solving procedures that help scientists conduct experiments. Not rigid step-by-step by step outlines- scientists need to be free to use a variety of methods to problem solve.

Scientific Method Hypothesis: Testable explanation of a situation that can be supported or disproved by careful procedures. New hypotheses can be formed and tested for unexpected results during the experiement.

Experimentation Experiment Ann organized procedure that involves making observations and measurements to test a hypothesis. Good quantitative or qualitative data is key to a successful experiment. Quantitative data: numerical measurements Qualitative data: observations

Variables The variable that is changed by the experimenter. Independent Dependent The variable that is changed by the experimenter. The factor that is affected by the changes in the independent variable. The data that is measured.

Control The control is used to show that the results are a result of the variable being tested. It is what you compare your results to; to measure the change.

Analysis and Conclusion During experimentation all data are carefully examined. Data can be displayed in charts, graphs and tables. The data is then analyzed. Conclusions are drawn based on the data. The hypothesis is either proved or disproved. Further experimentation may be warranted.

Measurement Lѐ Systѐme International d’Unitѐs Length: meter (m) SI Units Length: meter (m) Mass: gram (g) Area: square meter (m2) Volume: cubic meters (m3) Weight: Newton (N) Density: Kilogram per cubic meter (kg/m3) Time: Second (s) Temperature: Kelvin (K)

Metric Conversions

Scientific Notation A way for scientists to easily express very large or small numbers. Only one digit to the left of the decimal point. The power of ten is the number of places the decimal place must be moved so that only a single digit remains to the left of the decimal point. Positive exponent for large numbers Negative exponent for small numbers.

Scientific Notation 243,000,000 2.43 x 108 .000000000673 6.73 x 10-10