The Scientific Method The Inquiry Process Biology 2014

Some Examples of Science Childbed Fever Case Study A quick experiment (bbt) Q1_24 Q1_24 Semmelweis, part 1: FjtpdePA&list=UUcU30z0_rIGAerTkLaxpct Q FjtpdePA&list=UUcU30z0_rIGAerTkLaxpct Q

Steps of the Scientific Method 1. Problem 2. Background 3. Hypothesis 4. Experiment 5. Analysis 6. Conclusion

Steps of the Scientific Method 1. Problem Get curious! Create a question Identify the variables (1 manipulated, 1 responding & 3+ controlled) TESTABLE QUESTION: How does changing the ____MV____ affect the ____ RV ____?

Variables Manipulated variable (aka independent variable): what is changed on purpose Responding variable (aka dependent variable): the measured response Controlled variables: what stays the same throughout the experiment This should include any factor that is not the MV or RV

Steps of the Scientific Method 2. Background Research what is known about any aspect of the problem Science behind the subject How to carry out procedures Finding out what experiments have already been conducted and their results

Steps of the Scientific Method 3. Hypothesis If = mv, then = what would happen to the rv, because = your rationale. If the ____MV____ increases then the ____ RV ____ will increase / decrease / stay the same because ___give your reasoning here___.

Steps of the Scientific Method 4. Experiment Materials & Methods (mv) Methods to prevent errors & minimize doubt (cvs) Collect data (rv)

Steps of the Scientific Method 5. Analysis Report data Determine high and low values Organize data in a graph Discuss errors How did they impact the results How could those errors be minimized in the future?

Steps of the Scientific Method 6. Conclusion Restate problem (direct or paraphrase) Support or reject hypothesis Support Statement with Evidence Make a relationship statement between the MV and the RV… This is where you ANSWER THE testable QUESTION!!! Refer to key data (use at least two items for comparison) Discuss errors How did they impact the results How could those errors be minimized in the future? Next steps & application How can these findings be applied to real life? What question would you be curious to test next?

Semmelweis, part 2: Feynman’s explanation of the scientific method:

Observation vs. Inference What is the difference between an observation and an inference? When should you document observations in a lab write-up compared to an inference?

Observation vs. Inference Observations are made using your 5 senses DATA Examples: a red shirt, a flat & smooth surface, 2:20pm Inferences are conclusions that you make, based on your observations ANALYSIS  CONCLUSION Examples: a person likes red because they are wearing a red shirt; a toy car will run smoothly because it is on a flat & smooth surface; school is out because it is 2:20pm

Two Types of Observations Quantitative observations: results are measureable and are made with instruments such as rulers, balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, and thermometers. Examples: 100°C 17 people 54 grapes 9.65 cm

Two Types of Observations Qualitative observations: results are made by using your senses (sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing). Examples: The flame is blue It smells like lemon It feels rough That was a soft thud It tastes sweet

Practice!!! Indicate whether the following observations are quantitative or qualitative. 1. It is light green in color. 2. It taste sour. 3. One leaf is 9 cm long. 4. It makes a loud pop sound. 5. The mass of the computer is 1 1/2 kg. 6. It smells sweet. 7. The temperature of the room increases by 8 degrees C. 8. It gets darker over a period of time. 9. The flower clusters in 3 blooms. 10. The plant is short. 11. Leaves are brittle. 12. The veins are 3 mm wide.

Variables Manipulated: Variations of m.v. (at least 4) Responding: Controlled:

An Issue with Control Same word, two different concepts… Controlled variables: variables that stay constant through the experiment Experimental control / Control group: the mv that is most “normal”. The EC acts as a baseline so that you can compare all of your other results to it.

A Controlled Experiment KNOW THIS!!! A controlled experiment should have: Only ONE manipulated variable to determine its impact on the RV Experiment with properly controlled variables so that only the MV changes An experimental control to compare all of your other results to

Testable Question How does changing the ____MV____ affect the ____ RV ____?

Hypothesis If the ____MV____ increases then the ____ RV ____ will increase / decrease / stay the same because ___give your reasoning here___.

Experiment Materials Give a detailed list of the items used Include how much / many and sizes used Methods Explain each step of the process thoroughly and clearly Establish which mv variation will act as your experimental control / baseline Describe how you will keep all of the c.v.s constant throughout the experiment Get my initials on your paper before you conduct the experiment!!!

Data m.v. variations Trial 1Trial 2Trial 3 1 tsp. of soap 2 tsp. of soap 3 tsp. of soap 4 tsp. of soap

Analysis Calculate the average diameter for each test. Create a graph, showing the results from your experiment Put the m.v.’s on the x-axis, label & include units Put the r.v.’s on the y-axis, label & include units Title the graph “The effect of different ___MV___ on the ___ RV ___” Plot your data

Conclusion Restate problem (direct or paraphrase) Support or reject hypothesis Make a relationship statement between the MV and the RV… ANSWER THE QUESTION!!! Refer to key data (use at least two items for comparison) Discuss errors (at least 2… they DO exist!!!) How did each error impact the results? How could those errors be minimized in the future? Next steps & application How can these findings be applied to real life? What question would you present to be answered in a future experiment, based on what you learned or what sparked your interest from this investigation?