1. Words to Know
Hypothesis (prediction)- Testable prediction based on observations. Usually an if/then/because statement.
Inference- a conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning
Empirical evidence- knowledge received by means of the senses, particularly by observation and experimentation

2. Theory vs. Law
Theory-
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experiment.
They are concise (i.e., generally don't have a long list of exceptions and special rules), coherent, systematic, predictive, and broadly applicable, reflecting a broad understandings of a particular part of the natural world.
The most POWERFUL explanation science has to offer.

3. Theory vs. Law
Theory-
Continuous investigations and new information influence theories
are testable and make falsifiable predictions.
NOT a “guess”
It is not a hypothesis
A supported hypothesis is not a theory

4. Theory vs. Law
Law
It is a universal and unalterable statement of what will naturally occur under specific conditions. It is based on numerous facts.
Usually a mathematical equation.
Well supported description
Factual and well-confirmed statements like "Mercury is liquid at standard temperature and pressure" are considered too specific to qualify as scientific laws.

5. Theory vs. Law Both Laws and Theories are:
Supported by a large body of empirical data.
Widely supported by scientific community
Can evolve with new data

6. Theory vs. Law HOWEVER…. They explain two different things
(Law: What will happen under specific conditions. Theory: Why it will happen.)
Theories do not become laws. Laws do not become theories.

7. What is Bias? How does it effect science? Can you get rid of bias?
Discuss in your group

8. Lab safety Video
In groups, create a list of five general lab safety rules.

9. Creating the Experiment
Observe phenomena
Evaluate variables and create questions
Design experiment (consider safety measures)
Format data tables
Conduct experiment
Collect data and adjust if necessary
Analyze data

10. Experimentation
Different rose bushes are grown in a greenhouse for two months. The number of flowers on each bush are counted at the end of the experiment.

11. Experimentation
Different rose bushes are grown in a greenhouse for two months. The number of flowers on each bush are counted at the end of the experiment.
Independent (test) Variable-
Types of rose bushes
Dependent (outcome) Variable-
Number of flowers
Standardized variables-
greenhouse, two months
Control Group-
None

12. Words to Know
Data- set of values of qualitative or quantitative variables
Qualitative- information about qualities; information that can't actually be measured (ex- texture, color, shape, etc.)
Quantitative- information about quantities; that is, information that can be measured and written down with numbers.

13. Observations

14. Measure Manipulate

15. Handout out Experimental Design Sheet
**Handout out Experimental Design Sheet. Design Rules to Increase Precision
The more data you can get the more precise your observation will be
Choose variables that are easy enough to measure in the parameters you have available.
Do multiple measurements and take an average.
When permissible, repeat procedures to ensure most accurate data.