Introduction to scientific ideas scientific method

Scientific Method

1) Scientific Theories are possible explanations of the evidence we have. Examples: Big Bang Theory Plate tectonic theory Theory of Evolution Theory of relativity

2) Scientific Laws describe patterns that occur in nature and will always happen in nature: Examples: Law of Gravity Newton’s 1 st Law - inertia Newton’s 2 nd Law - acceleration Newton’s 3 rd Law – equal and opposite reactions

3) Scientific Method 3) Scientific Method – a method of problem solving that is organized and repeatable

4) Steps of the scientific method: a) Question b) Research c) make a hypothesis d) experiment e) Analyze data f) draw conclusions

4a) Ask a question: Questions should be able to be answered with a “yes” or “no” Questions should not include words like better or best Science project questions should be about things that interest you

4b) Research: gather facts about the topic and find out what is already known

4c) Make a hypothesis: a hypothesis predicts what is going to happen A good hypothesis is an “if – then and because” statement A hypothesis will NEVER include the words “I believe”

4d) Experiments: compare what happens to one thing when you change another Controls are items that are not manipulated in the experiment Items in the experiment that can change and are manipulated are called variables, items kept the same in all trial are called constants

4d cont: Independent (or experimental) variables are changed on purpose by the scientist(on x-axis) Dependent (or responding variables) are those that change BECAUSE the independent variable changes(on y- axis)

4e and f) Analyze data and draw conclusions: Scientists evaluate the data and determine if the hypothesis is correct or incorrect and try to figure out why

5)Communicating results of a scientific experiment: Lab reports are written in a standard format a) title b) research question c) introduction d) hypothesis e) materials f) procedures g) data/observations (including tables, graphs) h) analysis (describe data in words) i) conclusion