Scientific Method Unit One: Scientific Method

What is science? Have you ever had a question about how something works? Have you ever had a question about how something works? - If you answered yes to this questions than you have behaved in a similar manner as a scientist. Science is about understanding how the universe works and the reasons for why things work the way they do. Science is about understanding how the universe works and the reasons for why things work the way they do. Science is a body of knowledge and an organized method for finding answers to problems. Why is Las Vegas so hot and dry? Why is Las Vegas so hot and dry? Why are some lavas that erupt smooth and flat, and others are round and pillow-like? Why are some lavas that erupt smooth and flat, and others are round and pillow-like?

The Scientific Method The process by which a scientist finds an explanation to an event. The process by which a scientist finds an explanation to an event. It is a way of approaching and solving a problem, or answering a question, that is logical and straightforward and can be applied to both everyday situations and specialized research topics. It is a way of approaching and solving a problem, or answering a question, that is logical and straightforward and can be applied to both everyday situations and specialized research topics.

Steps to the Scientific Method Ask a Question Ask a Question Do Background Research Do Background Research Construct a Hypothesis Construct a Hypothesis Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion Analyze Your Data and Draw a Conclusion Communicate Your Results Communicate Your Results

Steps to the scientific method Question: What is your purpose? Question: What is your purpose? Research: What is already known about this topic? Research: What is already known about this topic? Hypothesis: Based on your research what do you predict is going to happen. Hypothesis: Based on your research what do you predict is going to happen. Experiment: Test your predictions. Experiment: Test your predictions. Analyze: Analyze your Data Analyze: Analyze your Data Conclusion: Make the simplest conclusion possible based on the analysis of your data Conclusion: Make the simplest conclusion possible based on the analysis of your data

Must be able to test a hypothesis!!!! A scientific hypothesis must be testable! A scientific hypothesis must be testable! This means there must be a way to prove the hypothesis wrong This means there must be a way to prove the hypothesis wrong

Are these scientific hypotheses? 1. Atoms are the smallest particle of matter. 2. The universe is surrounded by a second universe, the existence of which cannot be detected by scientists. 3. The Incredible Hulk is the best super-hero ever in the world.

A hypothesis that is tested over and over without being contradicted can become a law or principle. All other competing hypotheses must be eliminated for this to occur! A hypothesis that is tested over and over without being contradicted can become a law or principle. All other competing hypotheses must be eliminated for this to occur! If a scientist finds evidence that contradicts a hypothesis, law, or principle, then the law, hypothesis or principle must be changed or abandoned. If a scientist finds evidence that contradicts a hypothesis, law, or principle, then the law, hypothesis or principle must be changed or abandoned. Scientists must accept their findings even if they would like them to be different. Scientists must accept their findings even if they would like them to be different.

Experiments In experiments we have a control and 2 types of variables In experiments we have a control and 2 types of variables Control is an trial of the experiment that is closest to the natural conditions Control is an trial of the experiment that is closest to the natural conditions Independent variable is the variable the scientists manipulates. Independent variable is the variable the scientists manipulates. Dependant variable results from the manipulation of the experiment Dependant variable results from the manipulation of the experiment

What is Earth Science? Earth Science is the name for the group of sciences that deals with Earth and its neighbors in space 4 areas of study Earth Science is the name for the group of sciences that deals with Earth and its neighbors in space 4 areas of study Geology: Study of Earth, its matter, and the processes that form and change Earth Geology: Study of Earth, its matter, and the processes that form and change Earth Physical Geology- Study of materials that make up Earth and forces that shape the planet Physical Geology- Study of materials that make up Earth and forces that shape the planet Historical Geology- Study of physical and biological changes of our planet over time Historical Geology- Study of physical and biological changes of our planet over time Meteorology: Study of weather and the forces and processes that cause it. Meteorology: Study of weather and the forces and processes that cause it. Astronomy: Study of objects in space Astronomy: Study of objects in space Oceanography: Study of the Earth’s oceans Oceanography: Study of the Earth’s oceans

Formation of the Earth Earth is one of ? planets in our solar system Earth is one of ? planets in our solar system Earth is believed by scientists to have formed at the same time as the other planets. Earth is believed by scientists to have formed at the same time as the other planets. Nebular hypothesis- Earth formed from an enormous rotating cloud called the solar nebula. This cloud was made up of mostly hydrogen and helium and very few heavier elements. Nebular hypothesis- Earth formed from an enormous rotating cloud called the solar nebula. This cloud was made up of mostly hydrogen and helium and very few heavier elements.

Density Stratification Over time the heavier elements sank into the core of the Earth while the lighter, less dense materials floated toward the surface Over time the heavier elements sank into the core of the Earth while the lighter, less dense materials floated toward the surface This led to the division of layers within the Earth system This led to the division of layers within the Earth system

Earth’s Four Spheres Hydrosphere- The water portion of our planet Hydrosphere- The water portion of our planet Atmosphere- The gaseous portion of our planet Atmosphere- The gaseous portion of our planet Geosphere- The rocky solid portion of our planet Geosphere- The rocky solid portion of our planet Further divided into- the core, mantle, and crust Further divided into- the core, mantle, and crust Biosphere-Includes all life on Earth Biosphere-Includes all life on Earth

Layers of the Earth

Forces That affect our Earth Destructive Forces- weathering and erosion work to wear away high points and flatten out the surface Destructive Forces- weathering and erosion work to wear away high points and flatten out the surface Constructive Forces- mountain building and volcanism build up the surface by raising the land and depositing new material in the form of lava Constructive Forces- mountain building and volcanism build up the surface by raising the land and depositing new material in the form of lava

Earth as a System System can be any size group of interacting parts that form a complex whole System can be any size group of interacting parts that form a complex whole Earth system is powered by 2 sources Earth system is powered by 2 sources One is the sun- which drives the external processes that occur in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and at Earth’s surface One is the sun- which drives the external processes that occur in the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and at Earth’s surface Second is Earth’s Interior- heat remains in the core and mantle of the Earth from the time it was formed Second is Earth’s Interior- heat remains in the core and mantle of the Earth from the time it was formed

QUESTIONS? QUESTIONS?