The World of Life Science Chapter 1 The World of Life Science

III. How do Scientists work? A. Scientific Method

Scientists systematically investigate the natural world by using the scientific method.

Scientific Method An organized way of finding a workable solution to a problem.

A. The Scientific Method 1. Define the Problem must be specific must fall within the limits of science observable, measureable, and repeatable. conduct background research

A. The Scientific Method 2. Form a hypothesis - an educated guess - should be measurable - guides the testing of the hypothesis

Hypothesis A simple, testable statement about the answer to a problem.

A. The Scientific Method 3. Test the hypothesis - collecting the data to answer the problem Experiment or survey Observe and record data

Data The information gathered by means of observations.

A. The Scientific Method 3. Test the hypothesis ways to collect data survey

Survey Obtaining data by observing many conditions that already exist.

A. The Scientific Method 3. Test the hypothesis ways to collect data survey experimentation

Experimentation Controlling all the variables of two or more groups

Variables Factors or conditions that can vary within an experiment.

A. The Scientific Method 3. Test the hypothesis Experimental variable: the one factor that is changed Experimental groups: the groups that experience the experimental variable

A. The Scientific Method 3. Test the hypothesis Control group: lacks the experimental variable All of the groups should have the same variables, with the experimental variable being the only difference.

A. The Scientific Method 4. Classify and analyze the data

Classifying Arranging the data so that relationships can be seen.

A. The Scientific Method 4. Classify and analyze the data This can be accomplished with charts, tables, and graphs

Analyzing Looking at the arrangement of the data to decide whether the data supports the hypothesis.

A. The Scientific Method 4. Classify and analyze the data This can be accomplished with charts, tables, and graphs Did the data “support” the hyposthesis?

Support vs. Prove Always use the term “support” “Prove” implies 100% true

A. The Scientific Method 5. Choose and verify the answer Choose a workable answer; meaning it can be used.

A. The Scientific Method 5. Choose and verify the answer Verify your workable answer.

Verify Obtaining more data through repeated experiments or surveys.

A. The Scientific Method 5. Choose and verify the answer Verify your workable answer. Repeated experiments or surveys More than one specimen in each group

A. The Scientific Method 6. Predict outcomes -Answers from one experiment may help in other areas