Introduction to Science A way of learning about the natural world is called science.

Steps to Scientific Inquiry or Scientific Method State the problem or ask a question. Research information. Form a hypothesis using IF and THEN statement. Design and carry out an experiment. Record and interpret data. Draw a conclusion.

Will fertilizer help tomato plants grow? State the problem. Will fertilizer help tomato plants grow?

Research information Go to the library. Ask a resource person (college, greenhouse, gardener, etc.) Research on the internet. Read magazines, books, etc.

If fertilizer is added to the soil, then the plant will grow taller. Form a hypothesis. If fertilizer is added to the soil, then the plant will grow taller.

Design and carry out an experiment. Manipulated variable (independent variable)-variable that is being changed. Responding variable (dependent variable) –variable that changes due to the manipulated variable.

Controlled experiment An experiment in which all variables are kept constant except one. Examples: sunlight, soil, water, size of containers, depth of seeds, type of fertilizer, amount of fertilizer, temperature, etc.

Collect data. May be written observations or numbers. Metric is always used in science.

Interpret Data Look for patterns or trends. (Ex: the rate of growth; the end results; the average growth, etc.)

Draw Conclusions Was your hypothesis supported or not? Your hypothesis does not always have to be right.

Metric is based on the power of 10. Scientists use a standard system of measurement called the International System of Units (SI) based on the metric system. Metric is based on the power of 10.

Common SI Prefixes PREFIX SYMBOL MEANING kilo k 1,000 hecto h 100 deka da 10 deci d 0.1 (one tenth) centi cm 0.01(one hundreth) milli mm 0.001(one thousandth)

The unit measure of length or distance is the meter (m) This line is 3 cm or 30 mm.

The unit measure of volume of a liquid, or the amount of space it takes up is the liter (L) Use a graduated cylinder. One liter=1,000ml

What is the volume?

The answer is 53ml.

The unit of measurement of mass, or the amount of matter in an object is the gram (g). Triple beam scale

Practice using the triple beam scale at this website! http://www.ohaus.com/input/tutorials/tbb/tbbentry.swf