Scientific Method 1-2: Pgs IN: What steps of the scientific method did Cain practice using when he built his arcade?

TERMS AND OBJECTIVES Terms: -scientific method-observation - hypothesis Objectives: -Explain the scientific method and how scientists use it. -Apply the scientific method to an Earth science investigation. -Identify the importance of communicating results. -Describe how scientific investigations often lead to new investigations.

The First Thing We All Do  Make an observation! –An observation is any use of at least one of your five senses to gather information. –Example, you hear loud booming, the ground is trembling, you look up. You ask yourself, “What is that!?!”

Scientific Method  Scientific Method - is a series of steps that scientists use to answer questions and solve problems. –The goal is to come up with reliable answers and solutions to those questions and problems.

Look at the flowchart on the bottom of pg. 13. What do you do if your conclusions don’t match your hypothesis?

Ask a Question  Ask a question that can be answered. –What is the PURPOSE? –Focus on one factor! –Like wondering what kind of bones they are. kind of bones they are.

Do Some Research  Research your question. –Find out everything that is already known about it. –No need to reinvent the wheel!

Form a Hypothesis  Hypothesis - is a possible explanation or answer to the question.  Write it as an “If…then” statement. (example “If plants are given bottled water, then plant growth will increase.”) –It must be testable. –Example: If the bones came from an unknown dinosaur, then when compared to others they will be different.

Test your Hypothesis  This is where you do the experiment.  Collect data from a controlled experiment.  Test only one factor at a time. –Example: measure the bones and compare them to known dinosaurs’ bones.

The thing that is manipulated is called the variable, but the outcome changes as a result.  The Independent Variable: (what you test) This is the factor that is manipulated by the scientist and is intended to cause an effect on the experiment. This is the factor that is manipulated by the scientist and is intended to cause an effect on the experiment.  The Dependent Variable: (the outcome) This is the factor that changes as a result of the independent variable. This is the factor that changes as a result of the independent variable.

Example  A scientist is studying how different kinds of water affect plant growth.  The independent variable would be the different types of water that are used.  The dependent variable is how tall the plants become as a result of the water.

Record the Data  The observations are accurately recorded in a data table: Length of dinosaur bones BoneHeight Femur33.1 m Radius33.6 m Ulna34.2 m

Analyze Results  Create tables and graphs to organize your data.

Draw Conclusions  Conclude whether the results supported your hypothesis. –Example: You conclude that the bones are unique in size and shape and therefore belong to a newly discovered type of dinosaur.

Communicate Results  Share what you have learned!

But wait…you’re not done! Ask more questions! And continue your Discoveries!

OUT: What are the basic steps to the scientific method?