Science

Definition of Science An organized way of using evidence to learn about the natural world. Organized: Use of the scientific method Evidence: Observations and data Natural world: The real world around us (not a world based on opinions, beliefs or faith but one we can actually observe and measure)

Key Vocabulary Terms Observing: using one or more of your senses to gather information Qualitative: Describes something (color, smell, taste, feel) that can’t be measured in numbers Quantitative: Uses numbers to describe an amount, size, weight, etc Inferring: Interpreting or explaining observations using reasoning from what you already know Predicting: Making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on past experience Classifying: Grouping together items that are alike in some way. Making Models: Creating representations of objects or processes

Basic Steps (The Rattlesnake Experiment) Scientific Method Basic Steps (The Rattlesnake Experiment) 1/3/2019 By W. Ribbeck

The Scientific Method Objectives: Describe the method scientists use to investigate the natural world. List the steps of the scientific method Complete an experiment using the scientific method Write up a lab report in acceptable scientific format

Definition Scientific method: basic steps that scientists follow in uncovering facts and solving scientific problems

The Scientific Method Observe an unknown & ask a Question Form Hypothesis (An educated prediction) Experiment & Test Hypothesis Collect Data Analyze Results Draw Conclusions & Communicate Results *Remember the acronyms: OHEDAC or OHEDACC

Ask a Question, Gather Information The scientific method starts when you make an observation and ask a question. Research the topic in the library, on the net, by talking to experts, watching videos, etc. Ask a question that can be answered yes or no by collecting numbers (data) as proof. Example: “What’s the best kind of music?” is an opinion and it cannot be measured. “What kind of music is most popular?” is a question that can be answered. *complete in handout 8

2. Formulate a Hypothesis: A hypothesis uses reasoning to predict the answer to the question. It’s an educated guess about what your data or graph is going to look like. Identify the manipulated (independent) variable, responding (dependent) variables and controls *complete in handout 9

Observe and unknown and ask a question What invisible trail does a rattlesnake follow in tracking down its bitten prey?

Gathering Information (part of observation) A rattlesnakes eyes are only sensitive to visible light A pair of organs located under the eyes detect invisible light in the form of heat A rattler’s tongue “smells” certain odors in the air The sight or smell of an unbitten animal does not trigger the rattler’s tracking action

Hypothesis After the snake wounds its victim, the snake follows the smell of its own venom to locate the animal

Manipulated (Independent) Variable The thing you change. There can only be one (Only change one thing at a time!). What is the manipulated variable in the rattle snake experiment? The dead mouse (killed with venom or no venom) *complete in handout 13

Control Besides the independent variable, all the other things that could change must be “controlled”. Sometimes we have a control group that gets nothing changed so we can compare it to the others. How do we “control” other things in the rattlesnake experiment Use the same cage/environment Drag the dead mice along the same path Create a dead mouse with out any venom (nothing changed) Others? *complete in handout 14

Responding (Dependent) Variable(s) What happens, the thing we are going to measure. There may be more than one dependent variable. (Usually we keep it to one to make it simple) What is the responding variable in the rattlesnake experiment? The path and action of the rattlesnake (does it follow the same path or do nothing?) *complete in handout 15

Experiment Drag a dead mouse that has been struck and poisoned by a rattlesnake along a curved path on the bottom of an empty cage Place the snake in the cage The snake follows the exact trail that has been laid out Control Drag an unbitten dead mouse along the path The snake seems disinterested

3. Experiment: Develop and follow a procedure. Modify it if needed, keep track of changes and reasons. Repeat: Do the experiment as many times as possible, the more times the better *complete in handout 17

Recording and Analyzing Data Do the experiment many times Record the data

4. Collect and Analyze Data: Organize the numbers/data you collected into tables and graphs Use the tables and graphs to make a conclusion *complete in handout 19

5. Conclusion: Restate your experiments purpose Tell us what happened, what went wrong, what changes you made and why. Was your hypothesis right or wrong? It’s okay to be wrong Describe and explain your experiments steps and describe your results. Make recommendations for more experiments and possible improvements. (If you’re experiment failed, we know one thing not to do again) *complete in handout 20

6. Communicate the Results: Write a lab report Prepare a presentation for an audience (PowerPoint or a speech) Get your report published in a scientific magazine. Make a video presentation *complete in handout 21

Can you name all the steps? Observe and ask a Question/Gather Information Formulate a Hypothesis Collect and Analyze Data Design and complete an Experiment Make a Conclusion Communicate the Results 22

Conclusion The scent of venom was the only factor that could cause a rattlesnake to follow its bitten victim.