What is it, and Why is it Important?? The Scientific Method What is it, and Why is it Important??

Let’s Review What we did Last Class? What was the Purpose of the Sculpture Activity? Why are Procedures important in Science? Why is Replication important in Science?

Introduction to the Scientific Method https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8UFGu2M2gM

What is the Scientific Method? a method of procedure that has characterized natural science since the 17th century, consisting in systematic observation, measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and modification of hypotheses.

Scientific Method A series of steps that leads from a question to an explanation! These explanations are what are known as scientific theories! A system of ideas designed to explain something that happens in the natural world

Let’s Look at the Steps...

It’s all well and good to learn the Scientific Method, but like all things in Science, it is much better to Explore! And with Mr.Hill, there is no better way to explore than with... CANDY!

Let’s Look at Step 1... Ask a Question! Questioning comes from observing something from the world around you, and inquiring into it. What questions do you have about your package of Real Fruit Candies? Remember there are no wrong questions, but there are some that are more relevant than others... Take 2 minutes, and write down as many questions as you can about your package of Real Fruit Candies!

Step 1 Questions Ex. How many red gummies in my pouch?

Step 2 Form a Hypothesis Does any one want to take an EDUCATED GUESS what a Hypothesis is? An Educated Guess! A Hypothesis is a prediction of the answer to your question, based on background research. Where might you do some background research on your question?

Hypotheses Ex. If sunlight causes plants to grow, then putting plants in a dark closet will lead to short plants

Step 3 Conduct an Experiment This is the stage in the Scientific Method where you get to have the fun! An Experiment comes from PROCEDURES, that are designed to find the answer to your question!

Procedure At your table, tear open the Real Fruit package, and spread the candies on a paper towel. Count the Total number of Candies in your packet, and record in the Data Table Record the number of each colour in your data table. Record your data on the board at the front of the class.

Step 4 Analyze the Results What do the results from your experiment tell you? Were you able to accept or reject your Hypothesis? (Was it right or wrong) What could be done differently to make this experiment better?

Step 5 Make a Conclusion Summarize your experiment, to let other scientists know what you have found. Once you have completed your experiment, have you thought of more questions you can ask to conduct another experiment?

Enrichment http://www.biomanbio.com/GamesandLabs/SciMethodGames/inkysm.html (Or google search Inky the Squid Scientific Method) Play the game, and answer the questions! There might be a few terms we did not cover, note them in your notebook and we will talk about them next class! Tell me your High Score 