Scientific Investigation Lundquist -- 2015

Science The study & explanation of a natural phenomena The application of the scientific method Starts with OBSERVING a phenomena Lets observe a natural phenomena: CLICK ME

Science Develop a hypothesis A prediction based on previous observation Can be a prediction on how something happens DOES NOT have to be an if-then statement

Science Perform some sort of experiment Example: CLICK ME A controlled situation in which you alter ONE thing Example: CLICK ME

Variables Independent Variable Dependent Variable The thing you have direct control over What you change The variable which is dependent on the IV What you measure Practice: What is the Hypothesis, IV, & DV,

Controls A test group that does not get the independent variable Used as a comparison How things behave normally? Practice: What is the Hypothesis, IV, DV, Control?

Experimental design The more you test something the better Minimum of 3 trails to make anything significant

Data The dependent variable values that you record Quantitative Numerical values Qualitative How something feels, smells, tastes, behaves also numbers

Representing data Pie graph – parts of a whole Best done in: Tables – rows of numbers, lists Figures – graphs, drawings, pictures, etc. Continuous – Previous point affects the next Discontinuous – previous point does NOT affect the next

I don’t have to prove myself to you… Conclusions I don’t have to prove myself to you… Attempts to explain WHY something happened Either SUPPORTS or REJECTS the hypothesis We don’t prove anything

Leads to: Theories Laws Attempts to explain WHY something happens Theory of evolution Observations that always happen Law of gravity