The Scientific Method 2/18/1996

Science vs. Non-Science Testable Can be Falsified Verifiable Based on Evidence Example: Astronomy Not Testable Believed to be infallable Not Verifiable Based on Belief Example: Astrology

Think you can name all five steps? Problem Hypothesis Procedure Results Conclusion

Everyday Science Scientific Method for Car Repair Problem- Why won’t the engine start? Hypothesis- Predict battery is dead. If the battery is jumped-started, then the engine will start. Procedure- Jumpstart battery. Results- Engine now starts. Conclusion- Cars won’t work without a fully charged battery.

Problem A problem is in the form of a question based on your observations.

Hypothesis Testable statement that predicts what will happen Should be written as an if-then statement –If-how you are going to test the hypothesis –Then-what will happen If we do not water the plant, Then the plant will die.

Procedure The steps you will take to test your hypothesis. May include a control Should include an independent variable and a dependent variable. –Independent variable-what you change in the experiment (putting in a new car battery) –Dependent variable-what you expect to change or respond to the independent variable (car starts)

Control Part of an experiment that is the standard against which the results are compared Some experiments do not have a control

Do you remember the next step? A.Research B. Results C. Observations D. Conclusion

Results Collect data & record observations. Organize information into charts, tables or graphs.

Quantitative vs. Qualitative Based on numbers Data based on measurements Example: It is 35 O C outside Based on description Data based on observations Example: It is hot outside

Mrs. Clevenger is 1.6 meters tall The chemical has a strong odor The ice cube has a mass of 2.1 grams Coca cola is very acidic Coco cola has a pH of less than 1 Are the following results A. Quantitative or B. Qualitative?

Conclusions Think about the results of your experiment. What does it mean? Accept, Reject, or Revise Hypothesis

If black cats cross your path, it is bad luck If my mom passed those genes on to me, then I inherited my brown hair from my mom. If my horoscope say so, then I will meet new people today. If it exists, then God put it there. Are the following statements A. Science or B. Non-Science?

Think you can name all five steps? Hypothesis Problem Procedure Results Conclusion