Using The Scientific Method

What is the Scientific Method A series of steps that scientist use to answer questions and solve problems

Several Distinct Steps Ask a question Form a hypothesis Test the hypothesis Analyze the results Draw conclusion Communicate results

Order of Steps Some time the steps are done in a different order Sometimes steps are skipped or repeated It depends on what works best to answer the question

Technology The application of knowledge, tools, and materials to solve problems and accomplish task. Examples: computers, light bulbs

Goals Science and Technology to gain knowledge of the natural world Technology to apply scientific understanding to solve problems Technology is sometimes called applied science

Group Activity Work in groups (Your Tables) Make a list of 10 observations about technology in the classroom Tell how each example of technology improves the classroom for teaching

Ask a Question? Helps you focus your investigation and identify what you want to find out. Ask a question after you have made lots of observations

Observations Any use of senses to gather information Measurements Color Temperature Volume Mass Weight

Real World Question Dog House Science or Technology

Form a Hypothesis Hypothesis- A possible explanation or answer to your question Must be testable Example: A doghouse made with lighter colors will produce a cooler living environment.

Before Testing Hypothesis Make a prediction in the “If…..then…” format. Example: If heat is absorbed by dark colors and repelled by light colors then a doghouse made of light colors will be cooler.

Test the Hypothesis Test your prediction Conduct a controlled Experiment

Controlled Experiments Control Group Experimental Group Both groups are the same except for one factor in the experimental group called the variable Sometime a controlled experiment is not possible Example researching stars How would you conduct star research?

Data Any pieces of information acquired through experimentation

Analyze the Results Done after you collect and record data Calculations of Data Organizing data in graphs and table

Number (in Millions) of Civilian/Noninstitutionalized Persons with Diagnosed Diabetes, United States, 1980–2006

Draw Conclusion Explaining your results Tell if your hypothesis was supported or not Tell if project created new questions

Communicate Results Science Fair Journals Web Site New people might use your information and modify it.

Building Scientific Knowledge Theories-a unifying explanation for a broad range of Hypothesis. A theory can explain an observation Predict an observation possibly made in future Special Theory of Relativity Evolution Cell Theory Atomic Theory

Building Scientific Knowledge Laws- a summary of many experimental results and observations Tells how things work Laws tell what happen not why it happens Examples: Boyle's law, Charles' Law , Law of Gravity