The Scientific Method 8/22/17 SQRS: (pg. 2) How do you use the scientific method each day? Give examples……

What is Science?

What is Science? Science is a process that uses observations and investigations to gain knowledge about events in nature.

Major Categories of Science Life Science – deals with living things Earth Science – Earth and space Physical Science – deals with matter and energy Scientific study may overlap one or more categories!

Science Explains Nature Scientific explanations help you understand what is going on in the natural world. Sometimes explanations must be modified if new technology or new information is discovered

Science Explains Nature Scientists learn new information by performing investigations. Example: How do you know if you have allergies? Observations Experiments Modeling

What is the Scientific Method? The Scientific Method is an organized set of investigational procedures

1. State the Problem or Question Why? How? Should be stated in a clear and concise manner Define the purpose.

2.Gather Information/Research You must learn as much as possible about background of the problem before you can begin Your own research Research from other scientists

Observation vs. Inference Observation: using your 5 senses to gain information about your surroundings. Ex: The grass outside my house is wet. (what I see and feel) Inference: uses prior knowledge gathered in observations to make an “educated guess” to explain an event. Ex: It rained. The sprinkler was on this morning. There is dew on the grass from the morning. After we make our observations and form a inference, we can then formulate a hypothesis.

Practice: The Sun produces heat and light. _____ Practice: Read the statement and determine if it’s an observation or an inference.  The Sun produces heat and light. _____ My skin itches because it is dry. _____ My father’s ladder is unstable. _____ There is no one on the beach because jellyfish are in the water. _____ There are jellyfish in the water. _____ The baby is crying because it is hungry. ______ Mrs. Welsh is going to win the barbecue contest. ______ The bus schedule says that the bus will arrive at 12:10pm. _____ The foul odor is coming from Tim’s locker. ______ Hot air rises. _____ Cut apples oxidize (turn brown) after a while. _____ Mrs. Barber gave us a test because she was grumpy. _____

3.Form a Hypothesis Educated guess A possible explanations for the problem Educated guess It is based on knowledge and observation It provides a direction to the experimental process It can be proved or disproved Can be stated as an “If _______, then ______ statement.”

4. Experiment Include all materials that are needed for the experiment. Identify the variables. List the step-by-step explanation of the experimental process Step 1: Get 2 slices of bread Step 2: Put mustard on the top slice Step 3: Place a hamburger patty on the bread Step 4: Put cheese on the patty Step 5: Add 2 pickles Step 6: Eat!!

5. Analyze the Data/List the Results The results should be written in the form of observations—What have you learned? Analyze the data from the experiment Organize the data Paragraph from Tables Graphs

6. Conclusion/Communicate your results The conclusion is drawn by looking at the results and comparing them with the problem Was your hypothesis correct? WHY or WHY NOT? Explain!!!

Review: The Scientific Method State the Problem Research/Gather Information Form a Hypothesis Experiment Analyze the Results Draw Conclusions: Was your hypothesis correct? Why or Why not?

Ticket out the door: (write this on the sheet of paper I’ve given you) This is how I feel today--- Make both an observation and an inference about how I feel and label both. (Don’t forget to write your name on your paper!)