The Scientific Method

Scientific Method is the way scientists learn and study the world around them. The basis of scientific method is asking questions and then trying to come up with answers Just about everything begins with a question and someone has an urge to answer that question Its as easy as asking “Why do cats and dogs have hair?” One answer could be that it keep them warm Scientific Method is a rational, logical thought process that is used to figure out facts and truths

Experimental evidence is what makes all of the observations and answer in science valid (truthful or confirmed) Statements must be confirmed with loads of evidence Scientist start with observations and then make a hypothesis (an educated guess) Then starts the fun by proving the hypothesis through many different trials and test to show why the data and results are correct. Using controls which quantitative (based on values and figures, not emotions) Qualitative is pertaining to or concerned with quality or qualities Scientist can examine their data and develop newer ideas This process will lead to more observation and refinement of hypotheses.

The Whole Process There are different terms used to describe scientific ideas based on the amount of confirmed experimental evidence. Hypothesis - a statement that uses a few observations - an idea based on observations without experimental evidence Theory - uses many observations and has loads of experimental evidence - can be applied to unrelated facts and new relationships - flexible enough to be modified if new data/evidence introduced Law - stands the test of time, often without change - experimentally confirmed over and over - can create true predictions for different situations - has uniformity and is universal A model is a scientific statement that has some experimental validity or is a scientific concept that is only accurate under limited situations.

Quiz Time! QUESTION 1: The scientific method was developed to help scientists organize the process of solving problems. True False

CORRECT! The scientific method is an objective step- by-step way of looking at natural events. When anyone has a question about the world around them, they use these methods and procedures to explain and answer that question. The scientific method can also be used to prove (or disprove) the statements of another scientist or person. The entire process requires observable and quantifiable evidence and data.

INCORRECT! The scientific method is an objective step- by-step way of looking at natural events. When anyone has a question about the world around them, they use these methods and procedures to explain and answer that question. The scientific method can also be used to prove (or disprove) the statements of another scientist or person. The entire process requires observable and quantifiable evidence and data.

Quiz Time! QUESTION 2: Which of these is not a step of the scientific method? Hypotheis Experiment Conclusion Plagiary

Incorrect! There are about six basic steps in the scientific method of solving problems. You have to start with a problem or question and then develop a hypothesis that offers an answer to the question. You then develop and perform an experiment and record your results. You finish with an analysis of your results and develop a conclusion that would (hopefully) answer the original question.

Correct!!! There are about six basic steps in the scientific method of solving problems. You have to start with a problem or question and then develop a hypothesis that offers an answer to the question. You then develop and perform an experiment and record your results. You finish with an analysis of your results and develop a conclusion that would (hopefully) answer the original question.

Quiz Time Question 3 Which of these words would you NOT associate with the scientific method? Disorganized Organized Data Control

Correct!!! The scientific method creates an organized framework that helps scientists (and everyone) solve problems. As you complete an experiment that tests variables and has controls, you record data and results.

Incorrect! The scientific method creates an organized framework that helps scientists (and everyone) solve problems. As you complete an experiment that tests variables and has controls, you record data and results.

Quiz time QUESTION 4: A hypothesis is... A Random Thought An Answer An Educated Guess An Experiment

Incorrect A hypothesis is an educated guess that offers a possible answer to a problem. An experiment must be developed to prove the accuracy of the hypothesis.

Correct! A hypothesis is an educated guess that offers a possible answer to a problem. An experiment must be developed to prove the accuracy of the hypothesis.

Quiz Time QUESTION 5: Which of these would be called results? Number of Fruit Flies Counting Fruit Flies Seeing Fruit Flies on an Apple Wondering Why a Fruit Fly was Born

Incorrect The number of fruit flies would be the only results. The other choices are all steps in the process (Hypothesis, Experiment, Observation).

Correct!!! The number of fruit flies would be the only results. The other choices are all steps in the process (Hypothesis, Experiment, Observation).

Quiz time QUESTION 6: What do you do to test a hypothesis? Guess Create a Spreadsheet with Data Publish a Scientific Paper Design an Experiment

incorrect You need to conduct a series of procedures to test any hypothesis. The developed experiment uses variables (changing factors) and controls (unchanging examples).

Correct!!! You need to conduct a series of procedures to test any hypothesis. The developed experiment uses variables (changing factors) and controls (unchanging examples).

Quiz time QUESTION 7: A control group is used as a comparison to the group where things (variables) are changing. True False

Correct!! The control group of an experiment is a group that is not experimented on. For example, if you wanted to see what happened when you increase UV radiation on plants, you would have a control group that did not have any different UV levels. They would be used as a baseline or static group in the experiment.

incorrect The control group of an experiment is a group that is not experimented on. For example, if you wanted to see what happened when you increase UV radiation on plants, you would have a control group that did not have any different UV levels. They would be used as a baseline or static group in the experiment.

Quiz time QUESTION 8: An independent variable is a factor that changes because of procedures conducted on the dependent variable. True False

INCORRECT! The opposite is true. A dependent variable is a factor that changes because of procedures conducted on the independent variable.

Correct!! The opposite is true. A dependent variable is a factor that changes because of procedures conducted on the independent variable.

Quiz time QUESTION 9: Experiments are usually conducted one time and by one team to speed up the scientific process. True False

Incorrect! Experiments are performed dozens and hundreds to times before a scientific statement is accepted as a truth. The experiment would be performed using the same procedures. To prove the original hypothesis, the other testing team must be able to generate the same results.

Correct!! Experiments are performed dozens and hundreds to times before a scientific statement is accepted as a truth. The experiment would be performed using the same procedures. To prove the original hypothesis, the other testing team must be able to generate the same results.

Quiz Time QUESTION 10: Experiments often test multiple variables. True False

Incorrect! Experiments test for one independent variable. There can be multiple dependent variables that change during the procedures.

Correct!! Experiments test for one independent variable. There can be multiple dependent variables that change during the procedures.

Thanks for Playing!!! Make sure you are able to… List the steps to problem solving Examine the design of an experiment and identify its parts Logically design an experiment