Scientific Method

Unit: Science in Action 9/10/12 Objective: SWBAT describe and utilize the scientific method to conduct an investigation. IA: What is the name of each tool below? What do we use each tool to measure? What is the name of the units they measure in?

Steps in the Scientific Method Question Observation Hypothesis Experiment Data Collection Conclusion Retest

Identifying the Problem Something is happening and I am curious to discover why or how it is occurring. Problems are specific and testable What does it mean to be testable?

Observations Gathered through your senses A scientist notices something in their natural world What is an observation you can make about the class today?

Hypothesis A suggested solution to the problem. Must be testable Sometimes written as If…Then… statements Predicts an outcome

Hypothesis An example of a hypothesis might be that the salamanders have curved tails due to a pollutant in the moist soil where they live.

A procedure to test the hypothesis. Experiment A procedure to test the hypothesis.

Variable – factor in the experiment that is being tested

A good or “valid” experiment will only have ONE variable!

Scientific Experiments Follow Rules An experimenter changes one factor and observes or measures what happens.

Data Results of the experiment May be quantitative (numbers) or qualitative (description)

If I was conducting an experiment about how many miles my car gets for each gallon of gas, what type of data would I be collecting? Why? Pair with your neighbor and come up with an answer

Data Must be organized Can be organized into charts, tables, or graphs

Conclusion The the data obtained from the experiment to support or disprove a hypothesis

Solving a Problem 1)Identify a Problem 2) State Observations about the problem 3) Form a Hypothesis about the problem (if…then…) 4) Design an Experiment to test the hypothesis 5) Collect Data 6) Form a Conclusion 7) Retest

Why should we retest an experiment? With the person sitting next to you come up with 3 reasons why.

Find your lab group!

Find your lab group!

Find your lab group!

For tomorrows investigation…… Read the problem and the procedure with your group. Determine what materials you think you will need. Come up with an hypothesis and fill it in the graphic organizer.

Summary Share out hypothesis Anticipate any problems