What is Science? Scientific Inquiry

The diverse ways in which scientists study the natural world and propose explanations based on the evidence they gather.

Scientific Inquiry The process of finding answers to problems by means of asking questions. The first step in getting the scientific method process started.

The SCIENTIFIC METHOD is a problem solving method used to find answers to scientific questions.

There are 6 steps to the scientific method: 1.State the question/problem. 2.Collect information. 3.Make a hypothesis. 4.Perform an experiment. 5.Record and study data. 6. Draw a conclusion.

Every good scientist knows that they must REPEAT THEIR WORK in order to be sure that the results of their experiment are precise and accurate. What scientific attitude must a scientist possess in order to develop questions to study? CURIOUSITY

Hypothesis A possible explanation for a set of observations or answer to a scientific question. An EDUCATED guess.

A hypothesis must be testable. What does this mean? Researchers must be able to carry out investigations and gather evidence that will either support or disprove the hypothesis.

Independent/Manipulated Variable The one variable that is purposely changed to test the hypothesis. Researcher is in control of this variable. Independent variable is on the x-axis of a graph.

What was the independent variable in the rose lab? The type of water in which the rose was placed. (sugar, neutral, or salt)

Dependent/Responding Variable The factor that may change in response to the manipulated variable. Cannot be controlled by the researcher. Dependent Variable is found on the y-axis.

What is the dependent variable in the rose lab? The condition of the roses!

Controlled Experiment An experiment in which only one variable is manipulated at a time.

Was the rose lab a controlled experiment? YES!!!!

Operational Definitions A statement that describes how to measure a particular variable or define a particular term.

Data Facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations. Can be displayed in charts, tables, and graphs.

Re-write the class data collected about favorite candy bars. Snickers Milky Way 3 Musketeers Hershey’s Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup

Communicating The sharing of ideas and experimental findings with others through writing and speaking.

What are 3 ways scientists can communicate with one another? Scientific journals and articles Scientific meetings Internet

Scientific Theory A well-tested explanation for a wide range of observations. Modern Atomic Theory Big Bang Theory Plate Tectonic Theory

Scientific Law A statement that describes what scientists expect to happen every time under a particular set of conditions. Newtons’ Laws of Motion Gravity

How do scientific theories and scientific laws differ? Unlike a theory, a scientific law describes an observed pattern in nature without attempting to explain it! See example of gravity on next slide…

Are there any questions?