1. Scientific Method

2. An organized way of solving a problem Requires critical thinking Must separate important information from unimportant information

3. Step 1 Identify the Problem

4. Define clearly what it is you want to solve Ex. What is causing the bees to abandon their colonies?

5. Step 2 Gather Information on the Problem

6. Data is collected by: Observations – two kinds: Direct – using our senses Indirect - using tools Research – using reliable sources

7. Step 3 Form a Hypothesis

8. Hypothesis - prediction using gathered information must be able to be tested experiments are done to test the hypothesis written as an if…………… then statement Ex. If a colony of bees is exposed to pesticides, then the colony will collapse

9. Step 4 Plan and Perform an Experiment to Test the Hypothesis

10. Hypothesis is tested in two ways: Field Study – Observations made in nature Information is collected in a natural setting Laboratory Experimentation – Information collected by a created setting

11. Bee variety Air temperature Location Constant/ Controlled Variables Manipulated Variable Laboratory Experiment

12. An experiment requires two types of variables: Constant/Controlled Variable – factors that stay the same throughout the experiment Manipulated Variable – factor that is changed on purpose

13. Dependent/Responding Variable

14. Dependent or Responding Variable – Variable being measured/tested/watched Variable that occurs as a result of the experiment

15. Control GroupExperimental Group

16. An experiment consists of two groups: Control Set – Up: Part of the experiment that does not contain the manipulated variable Kept unchanged Used as a comparison Experimental Set – Up: Part of the experiment that contains the factor being tested Contains the manipulated variable

17. Step 5 Analyze Data

18. Data – pieces of information that a scientist will gather and look at – information is collected through research, experiments and observations Conclusions can be made based on data Data table – a visual diagram that displays data from an experiment metric measurement – a system of measurement that scientists use

19. Step 6 Draw Conclusions

20. Step 6 Draw Conclusions Draw Conclusions – take your information and decide if your hypothesis was correct If you are right, you retest to be sure If you were wrong, you decide on a new hypothesis Communicate your results

22. Drawing Conclusions Inference – a logical conclusion based on interpreting observations and data Prediction – a forecast of what will or might happen in the future Bias – an attitude of feeling one way over another

24. Scientific Attitudes Curiosity – eager to learn Honesty – report observations and results truthfully Open-mindedness – accept new and different ideas Skepticism – question things Creativity – solve problems using thinking that is “outside the box”

25. Hypothesis

26. Hypothesis – possible solution to a problem Prediction of what might happen May or may not be true Based on observation and research Must be testable Written as an if (cause)….. then (effect) statement

27. Theory

28. Theory – a hypothesis that has been tested and supported many times Explains why something occurs Basis for describing patterns that we observe in nature Not an opinion If accepted – does not become a law

29. Law

30. Law – a general statement that describes some pattern in nature The statement must hold true no matter what Usually presented as a mathematical equation Is not an accepted theory Explains what happens not why

31. Model

32. Model – a description of something unfamiliar in a way that makes it familiar Helpful when we cannot observe the object of event directly or completely Built to find out why Also called a prototype

33. Demonstration

34. Demonstration – a model or display that shows how something works Does not test anything