2. The Nature of Science An Introduction to the Scientific Method Section 1.2

3. Science is an organized and methodical way of studying the natural world. 1.Process of science= Scientific Method 2.Scientists examine the natural world by collecting evidence (data). 3.Nothing in science can be absolutely proven no matter how much evidence is collected.

4. There are Six Steps to the Scientific Method. 1. Problem/Question 2. Information 3. Hypothesis 4. Experiment 5. Make Observations/ Collect Data 6. Conclusion

5. 1. Problem a. This is the question that you are trying to answer or problem that you are trying to solve. b. Try to narrow it down and be very specific.

6. 2. Information Gather data about your question and/or make observations: a. books b. magazines c. reports d. interview experts e. your past experiences

7. 3. Hypothesis a. an educated guess b. what you think the answer is based upon your gathered information/ research/ observations c. an idea tested by experimentation

8. 4. Experiment a. This a. This is broken into 2 parts: materials materials and procedure. b. Materials b. Materials is a list of equipment that you will need for the experiment. c. Procedure c. Procedure is a list of instructions that you need to follow for the experiment. d. Must d. Must be a Controlled Experiment!!!

9. Controlled Experiment a. It a. It has to have large numbers of observations b. It b. It needs a control group c. Can c. Can test only one variable at a time Definitions: Control group group – group that doesn’t get the ind. variable Experimental – group that gets the ind. variable

10. What are Variables? A variable is something that changes. There are three types: 1. Independent variable –is the variable whose value we know before we start an experiment; a variable we manipulate, or change, on purpose. 2. Dependent variable – is the outcome of the experiment; it’s often measured. 3. Controlled variable – a variable that does not change in an experiment; same between both the experimental group and control group.

11. 5. Observations/ Data Collection a. Collection of information that was observed and data collected during the experiment. b. It may be organized into charts, graphs, or written work. c. This is WHAT HAPPENED!!!!!

12. 6. Conclusion a. What did you find out after analyzing your data? b. Answer the question c. It is OK if it turns out that your hypothesis was not correct. You learned something!!!!!!!!! d. Always RETEST your results!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

13. Report your findings 1. One of the most important parts of the scientific method is to report your findings to others. 2. You will help others learn. 3. You will help to create further questions and research.

14. Everyday Science 1. Problem: Make a homemade Spaghetti Sauce 2. Information: Spaghetti sauce should be red. 3. Hypothesis (prediction): Use a can of tomato sauce (since it’s red). 4. Experiment: Heat tomato sauce in a pot. 5. Observe/Collect Data: Taste the sauce - bland. 6. Conclusion: More things have to be added to the tomato sauce

15. 7. Revise your hypothesis and Retest: Use tomato sauce and now add garlic for flavor! 8. New experiment: Add garlic- tastes a lot better. 9. Keep adding ingredients until it tastes right!!!!! 10. Scientific Theory: Would be “The Final Recipe.”