Using Science

Imagine you are trying to improve ships – what do you do? Would you study the history of shipbuilding? Would you investigate different types of fuel? Would you observe animals that move easily through the water?

Scientific Method Process used by scientists to answer questions and solve problems Often use same steps but there is more than one way

Ask a question Helps focus the purpose of an investigation Scientists often ask a question after making many observations

Observation gathering information with the senses

How can we make ships more efficient? Back to ships… 2 scientists observed ship propulsion systems. Most ships use propellers to move them through the water, and after much research, they discovered that propellers really aren’t that efficient. How can we make ships more efficient?

Form a Hypothesis A possible answer to your question (educated guess)

A good hypothesis is testable! Girls likes him because he his cute. Girls likes him because he has brown hair.

Ships and Penguins Scientists observed how quickly and easily penguins propelled themselves through the water Hypothesis: A propulsion system that imitates the way that a penguin swims will be more efficient than a propulsion system that uses propellers

Prediction Restate hypothesis in an if-then statement to help clarify the test IF two flippers are attached to a ship, THEN the ship will be more efficient than a ship powered by propellers.

Test the Hypothesis Find out if your hypothesis is right or wrong What if it is wrong?

A colorful surprise… Experiments don’t always turn out as expected. In 1856, William Perkin was trying to make an antimalarial drug from coal tar and accidentally made the first synthetic dye – mauve. This discovery led to the development of many other dyes from coal tar!

Controlled Experiments Compares a control group to an experimental group Changes only one variable at a time

energy used by the motors Data Information acquired through observation or experimentation Flapping rate energy used by the motors speed Only variable that was changed was flapping rate

Analyze Results Organize information using calculations, tables, graphs… Why are tables or graphs useful?

Draw Conclusions Decide if your hypothesis is supported Perform several trials

Communicate Results Lets others check your work Brings up other questions

A look at Scientific Journals Each group will choose an article from a Scientific Journal Read it over and summarize the article in your own words. Look for steps of the scientific method. What evidence supports their claims? Report your article to the class Does this bring up new questions?