Big Idea 1: The Practice of Science Description A: Scientific inquiry is a multifaceted activity; the processes of science include the formulation of scientifically investigable questions, construction of investigations into those questions, the collection of appropriate data, the evaluation of the meaning of those data, and the communication of this evaluation. B: The processes of science frequently do not correspond to the traditional portrayal of "the scientific method “. C: Scientific argumentation is a necessary part of scientific inquiry and plays an important role in the generation and validation of scientific knowledge. D: Scientific knowledge is based on observation and inference; it is important to recognize that these are very different things. Not only does science require creativity in its methods and processes but also in its questions and explanations.

Benchmark Number & Descriptor SC.8.N.1.1 Define a problem from the eighth grade curriculum using appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigations of various types, such as systematic observations or experiments, identify variables, collect and organize data, interpret data in charts, tables, and graphics, analyze information, make predictions, and defend conclusions. SC.8.N.1.2 Design and conduct a study using repeated trials and replication. SC.8.N.1.3 Use phrases such as "results support" or "fail to support" in science, understanding that science does not offer conclusive 'proof' of a knowledge claim. SC.8.N.1.4 Explain how hypotheses are valuable if they lead to further investigations, even if they turn out not to be supported by the data. SC.8.N.1.5 Analyze the methods used to develop a scientific explanation as seen in different fields of science. SC.8.N.1.6 Understand that scientific investigations involve the collection of relevant empirical evidence, the use of logical reasoning, and the application of imagination in devising hypotheses, predictions, explanations and models to make sense of the collected evidence.

I Have a Problem…

Scientific Inquiry According to the National Science Education Standards (National Research Council 1996) inquiry activities include making observations; posing questions; finding out what is already known; planning investigations; reviewing past knowledge in light of experimental evidence; using tools to gather, analyze, and interpret data; proposing explanations; and communicating the results.

Let’s Investigate The goal of science is to understand and explain the world around you. When trying to go about this task, you need to focus on two things: –Scientific observations –Scientific ideas

Scientific Observations Involves using your 5 senses You can create an experiment and make observations Observing the world around you Taking measurements is a form of observation

Scientific Ideas Based on evidence you gather from your observations You can create models, theories and laws and predictions based on your evidence It is important to know that scientific ideas are never 100% proven –They can only be supported or unsupported by observations Theory –A set of ideas that tie together your observations Law –Based on ideas that have been tested by observations and experiments Model –Representation of an idea; what it may look like or how it may work Prediction –What you think may happen based on your observations

Knowledge Check 1. What is the goal of science? 2. What are two things you must do in order to understand science? 3. List 2 ways you can make an observation. 4. What are 2 things you can make from your observations?

Knowledge Check 1. What is the goal of science? –To understand and explain the world around you 2. What are two things you must do in order to understand science? –Make scientific observations and create scientific ideas 3. List 2 ways you can make an observation. –Using your senses, make measurements 4. What are 2 things you can make from your observations? –Predictions and theories

UNDERSTANDING SCIENTIFIC METHOD Solving a Problem

There is no single way to “do” science. The methods you use to answer a question depends on what the question is.

Scientific Method One way to help solve a problem is to use the scientific method. Scientific method involves a series of steps that are used to investigate a natural occurrence.

Steps of the Scientific Method 1.Ask a Question 1.Ask a Question: All scientific inquiry begins with a question. You need to know what you are trying to find/prove.

Steps of the Scientific Method 2. Make Observation and Do Research 2. Make Observation and Do Research: Use computers, books, and newspapers. Know what other scientists say about the problem.

Steps of the Scientific Method 3Formulate a Hypothesis 3. Formulate a Hypothesis: Have an educated guess about what you think the outcome of the experiment should be. –Does not have to be correct in the end!

Steps of the Scientific Method 4.Design an Experiment: Develop and follow a procedure. Choose your variables. Include a detailed materials list. Remember, the outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).

Do you know the difference between the independent and dependent variables?

VARIABLES INDEPENDENT What you are changing in an experiment You are changing this on purpose to see the effects. Examples: –Amount of sunlight –Amount of mass –Amount of food provided DEPENDENT What you are measuring in an experiment This is a result of you altering your independent variable Examples: –Plant growth –Height of pendulum swing –Mass of goldfish

Steps of the Scientific Method 5. Perform the Experiment: Collect data Repeat multiple times

Do you know why you should have multiple trials ?

Doing it over and over and over… Multiple Trials Repeating an experiment proves its reliability and validity. Reliability –Answers are consistent. Validity –Does your experiment show what it should? Replication Able to be done by others –Researchers must be able to do the exact same procedure and get the exact same results. Shows confirmations of ideas and theories

Steps of the Scientific Method 6. Analyze the Data Create charts and graphs to organize findings. Look for similarities and differences.

Do you know how to collect and show your data?

Utilizing Graphs Graphs provide a great visualization of the data you collect. There are several different types of graphs: –Bar graphs –Pie graphs –Line graphs

What Type of Graph Do I Choose? Bar Graphs Used to show comparisons between multiple items Pie Graphs Used to compare the parts of a whole

What Type of Graph Do I Choose? Line Graph Shows the relationship between variables

Last but not Least…

Steps of the Scientific Method 7. Draw a Conclusion Summarize all of your findings. Compare findings to original hypothesis. –Findings support or do not support your original thoughts. Keep it as simple as possible –Everyone needs to understand what you did and what you found.

My Answer is Wrong? My Answer is Wrong? If your conclusion does not match your hypothesis, it does not mean your results are wrong! Hypothesis Matches Results Repeat experiment multiple times to test validity and reliability. Share your findings. Don’t stop there. –The answer to one question may lead to more questions which lead to additional hypotheses that need to be tested for more experimentation for the future. Hypothesis DOES NOT Match Results If your hypothesis does not match your results, it is OK. Many major scientific breakthroughs have occurred because a scientist did not get the results expected and went back to do more experimentation to find out why. Retest your hypothesis. –Use different testing, propose another hypothesis, gather more data, or ask another question.

Knowledge Check 1. What are the seven steps to the scientific method? 2. What are two types of variables, and how do you distinguish them? 3. List 2 ways to organize your data. 4. Are you wrong if your hypothesis does not match your results?

Knowledge Check 1. What are the seven steps to the scientific method? –Recognize the problem, Research, Hypothesis, Design experiment, perform experiment, analyze data, and draw conclusion. 2. What are two types of variables, and how do you distinguish them? –Independent – what is being changed on purpose –Dependent – what is being measure in the lab 3. List 2 ways to organize your data. –Graphs and charts 4. Are you wrong if your hypothesis does not match your results? –No, repeat if needed. Also, you may have made a new discovery!