Topic: scientific Method SWBAT describe the Scientific Method and how it applies to science.

(Identify the problem) Observations/Research Form a hypothesis Scientific Methods- the steps commonly used by scientists in gathering information to test hypotheses and solve problems. Ask a question (Identify the problem) Observations/Research Form a hypothesis Perform the experiment Collect and Analyze Data Make a conclusion Repeat

What is the Scientific Method??

What makes a good Scientific Question? Always testable Testable-This means that you can do an experiment to test your hypothesis. and Avoids opinion. Specific - Example: Does handling frogs cause warts? instead of something like: Can an animal mess up your skin? Keeps the scientist focused on a single experiment. Which brand of popcorn will pop the most popcorn kernels?

Does hot water freeze faster than cold water Does hot water freeze faster than cold water? Is it a good scientific question? YES NO

Does hot water freeze faster than cold water Does hot water freeze faster than cold water? Is it a good scientific question? YES NO It is testable, you could freeze hot water and cold water. It also avoids opinions, this is an observable fact.   A: S: K: It specifically explains what is being done (freezing) and to what substances (hot and cold water) It keeps the scientist focused because they are only changing one thing- the type of water.

Do cats make better pets than dogs. Is it a good scientific question Do cats make better pets than dogs? Is it a good scientific question? YES NO

Do cats make better pets than dogs. Is it a good scientific question Do cats make better pets than dogs? Is it a good scientific question? YES NO   A S K : It is not testable, it would be difficult to measure and explain “better.” It does not avoid opinion, who makes better pets is an opinion X X : It is not very specific, “better” is broad and vague. X : It does not keep the scientist focused because it is not setting them up for just one experiment.

Step 2: Observations & Research What are observations?

Step 2: Observations & Research Remember, observations are made with the 5 senses. You research your topic to help you build a better procedure as well as to help guide your hypothesis and data analysis

Step 3: Hypothesis A testable explanation for a question or problem Example: If I water the plant, then it will grow

4) Experiments: A structured procedure for collecting information to test a hypothesis Variable – factor in the experiment that is being tested A good or “valid” experiment will only have ONE variable being tested!

Experiments Cont. An experimenter changes one factor (independent variable), and observes or measures what happens (dependent variable). Control- the part of an experiment in which all conditions are kept the same

5: Data and Analysis Data- the information gathered from experiments Quantitative: seen in charts, tables, or graphs (numbers) Qualitative: Descriptive

6:Conclusion The answer to the hypothesis based on the data obtained from the experiment Your hypothesis will either be accepted or rejected In order to verify the results, experiments must be retested.

7: Repeat Why do we repeat experiments?

How does this translate to real life? Identify the steps of the Scientific Method in the following experiment…

APPLY YOUR KNOWLEDGE You have often wondered if Gatorade would make a plant grow faster than water. After doing some research on Gatorade, you have decided that you believe Gatorade would make the plant grow faster than water. You decide to set up an experiment. You buy two plants and keep them both in the same window for two weeks. One plant receives a daily watering and the other receives a daily dose of Gatorade. Each day, you measure the plants and record the data in a chart. At the end of the two weeks, your hypothesis was proven correct.

Your Turn! On your bell ringer sheet, design an experiment, using the scientific method. Remember the rules, and look at your notes. Use the question “Which brand of paper towels is the most absorbent?”