1. Introduction to Scientific Investigation What is Science? How do you define science? What does science mean to you?

2. Steps of the Scientific Process

3. Introduction to the Scientific Process A logical, problem solving technique

4. Introduction to the Scientific Process QuestionObservationHypothesisExperiment Analyze results Draw Conclusions Use conclusions to develop a new hypothesis

5. Step 1: Question Observe the world around you Using observations, identify a problem you would like to solve Example: ARE ELPHANTS REALLY AFRAID OF MICE? This is a question you DO NOT know the answer to and can’t look up. “Why” and “What would happen if..” are good beginnings of scientific questions.

6. Remember? Observation Uses our senses to gather information Qualitative: uses our 5 senses – WHERE THERE ARE ELEPHANTS, THERES ELEPHANT DUNG Quantitative: uses numbers – ONE MOUSE, IN A PILE OF DUNG Inference A logical interpretation of events based on prior knowledge or opinion – Educated guess “AN ELEPHANT SEEING A MOUSE, WOULD BE LIKE A HUMAN SEEING A FLY ON THE GROUND” Do we use observations or inferences when identifying a problem?

7. Step 2:Observation Use references to do background research – Books – Journals – Magazines – Internet – TV – Videos – Interviews Example: ELEPHANT VS. THE MOUSE THE SAYING, “ ELEPHANTS ARE AFRAID OF MICE.” IN CARTOONS, ELEPHANTS ARE AFRAID OF MICE www.goldstarexterminators.net

8. Step 3: Formulate a Hypothesis Hypothesis Possible answer to a question that can be tested based on observations and knowledge “If” “Then” “Because” statement Example: ELEPHANT IF we place a mouse in front of an elephant, THEN the elephant will not see the mouse BECAUSE the mouse is to small to see. Do we use observation or inference to formulate a hypothesis?

9. Step 4: Develop an Experiment Procedure Step by step instructions Identifies the variables used in the experiment DIG A HOLE INTO A PIECE OF ELEPHANT DUNG TIE A STRING TO THE DUG, PLACE THE MOUSE UNDER THE DUNG WHEN THE ELEPHANT APPROACHES THE DUNG, PULL THE STRING AND EXPOSE THE MOUSE THE ELEPHANT WILL THEN REACT TO THE MOUSE

10. Variables: Independent Variable The variable I (the scientist) change or manipulate DOES NOT change throughout experiment. Examples: – THE METHOD USED(DUNG, MOUSE, STRING) – BREED OF THE ELEPHANT – TYPE OF MOUSE

11. Variables: Dependent Variable Is measured in the experiment Changes because of the independent variable “Depends” on the independent variable Examples: – DOES THE ELEPHANT REACT TO THE MOUSE – HOW DOES THE ELEPHANT REACT

12. Variables: Constant All the factors in the experiments that are kept the same Keeps the experiment ‘fair’ Examples: THE METHOD SIZE OF THE MOUSE

13. The CONSTANT = INDEPEDANT VARIABLES

14. Variable: Control The normal condition that you compare the other conditions to Recreate the conditions you first observed Example: IN CARTOONS AND POP CULTURE, ELEPHANTS ARE AFRAID OF MICE IN THE EXPERIMENT, THE ELEPHANT APPEARED TO BE AFRAID OF THE MOUSE

15. Step 5: Record and Organize Data Write all observations and measurements Use a table to organize your data – List your independent variable on the left side – Record your dependent variables on the right side If you have more than one dependent variable, use a new column for each dependent variable Independent VariableDependent Variable: DID THE ELEPHANT REACT? THE METHOD USED MOUSE SIZE Which one of these independent variables is the control? Which part of the independent variable is the constant?

16. Step 6: Analyze Data “A picture is worth a thousand words” Compare and look for trends and patterns using graphs

17. Bar Graph Distantce in Feet Used fo categorical data

18. Line Graph Comparison of PAPERCUT Trials Distance in Feet Line graphs are used for time interval data

19. Pie Chart A Pie Chart adds up to a whole – 100% or all of something