Scientific Method

I. Scientific Inquiry A. Inquiry = To ask questions How do you learn from asking questions? No single way to gain knowledge! B. With answers from questions you gain a bank of skills to help you find answers to even more questions

II. Scientific Research A. Scientists perform research and make observations to state possible explanations to questions. B. Using the Scientific Method they test these explanations to answer their questions

III. Scientific Method A. There are several versions of the scientific method. However, they all begin with the identification of a problem or a question to be answered based on observations of the world around us.

IV. Steps of the Scientific Method 1. State Your Question What do you want to know or explain? Use observations you have made to write a question. 2. Form a Hypothesis What do you think will happen? Predict the answer to your question or the outcome of the experiment. 3. Create Experiment/Perform Experiment How will you test your hypothesis? Develop a procedure for a reliable experiment and address safety rules. Follow the steps in your procedure to perform your experiment. Record data and observations!

IV. Steps of the Scientific Method 4. Analyze Data Is the data reliable? Does your data and observations from the experiment support your hypothesis? or Is your data inaccurate or the experiment flawed? (If not Rewrite your procedure to address the flaws in the original experiment) 5. Communicate Results Write a conclusion that summarizes the important parts of your experiment and the results.

V. Variables A. In any experiment there are several variables that must be understood including: 1. Independent Variable – factor that is changed 2. Dependent Variable – factor that changes as a result of the independent variable 3. Control – does not receive the independent variable 4. Standardizing Variable - constants

Variable Example In order to find if hummingbirds have a color preference. Set Up: Independent variable: Dependent variable: Standardized variable:

VI. Graphing Variables A. Once the data has been collected it needs to be represented so that the results can be shared and easily understood. 1. Graphs – reveal patterns or trends a. Bar graphs - show comparisons b. Line graphs – show trends over time

VI. Graphing Variables B. When creating a graph the independent variable (manipulated) always goes along the “X” axis while the dependent variable (responsive) goes along the “Y” Dr. DRY MIX Independent or Manipulated X-axis Dependent or Responsive Y-axis

VI. Theory vs. Law A. Theory B. Law 1. Patterns observed repeatedly. 2. NOT guesses or opinions 3. Supported by observations & results and are the “best” explanations that have been found so far 4. Can be change as new data becomes available 1. Rules that describe a pattern in nature 2. DO NOT explain how things work or why they exist or why something happens