The Method of Science
Science – process that uses observation and investigation to gain knowledge about events in nature.
Scientific method – an organized set of investigation procedures used by scientists.
Observation/Research Formulate a Hypothesis Design Experiment Scientific Method Problem/Question Observation/Research Formulate a Hypothesis Design Experiment Collect and Analyze Results Conclusion Share the Results
Problem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation. Observation/Research: Make observations and research your topic of interest. Formulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to the problem or question. Experiment: Develop and follow a procedure.Include a detailed materials list. Collect and Analyze Results: Modify the procedure if needed. Conclusion: Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis. Communicate the Results: Be prepared to present the project to an audience.
Think you can name all seven steps?
Hypothesis – educated guess or testable prediction Experiment – organized procedure for testing hypothesis Control – standard for comparison Constant – factors that do not vary in experiment Independent variable – factor that is adjusted be the experimenter (x-axis) Dependent variable – factor that depends on the independent variable (y-axis)
Accuracy & Precision Precision: Accuracy: How finely tuned your measurements are or how close they can be to each other Accuracy: How close you are to the actual value
Accuracy & Precision may be demonstrated by shooting at a target. Accuracy is represented by hitting the bulls eye (the accepted value) Precision is represented by a tight grouping of shots (they are finely tuned)
Accuracy without Precision Accuracy & Precision No Precision & No Accuracy Precision without Accuracy
Scientific Law vs. Scientific Theory Rule of nature that sums up related observations to describe a pattern in nature. Ex. Law of Gravity Explanation based on experiments – most logical explanation Ex. Black Hole Theory