1. Scientific Inquiry & Graphing*
07/16/96
Scientific Inquiry & Graphing
Learning Targets: I CAN…..
Explain what science is and is not
List and explain the steps to the scientific method
Differentiate between an observation and an inference
Define a variable and compare and contrast between the different types
Design a controlled experiment
Create a graph and distinguish the 3 types of graphing relationships
Day 1: Complete slides 1-13 using guided notes
Learning Targets
1 Explain what science is and is not 2. List and explain the steps to the scientific method 3. Differentiate between an observation and an inference
HW: Textbook Guide chap 1
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2. Intro video…What Is Science? – YouTube
Organized way of using evidence to learn about the Natural World
Science is NOT based on faith or religion.
Goal of Science
To understand the world around us
To explain events by making predictions
To investigate predictions
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3. Observation & Inference
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4. Observations- Gathering evidence
Information gathered through your FIVE SENSES
Smell, touch, see, taste, hear
1. Quantitative:
Observation using numbers
EX. 40 grams, 10 cm
How many?; Weigh it; Measure it
Can you make a quantitative observation in this classroom?
2. Qualitative:
Observation that doesn’t involve numbers
EX. The color or shape of an object.
Can you make a qualitative observation in this classroom?

5. Inferences- Interpreting the Evidence
INTERPRETATION based on observation and prior knowledge or experience
Look at the pix and in your science journal make 3 observations, 3 inferences and 3 predictions

6. BELLWORK – 9/13
In your science journal: record today’s date, write and define the words below using the glossary of your textbook: I did the 1st one for you.
Controlled experiment – an experiment in which only 1 variable is changed over time
Controlled variable
Independent variable
Dependant variable

7. Video: How scientists work

8. Scientific Method: steps that a scientist take to solve a problem
State the Problem/Ask a Question
Form a Hypothesis
Perform a Controlled Experiment
Collect Data
Analyze Results
Draw a Conclusion & Retest
Communicate the Results
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9. Using the scientific method to solve a problem….*
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Using the scientific method to solve a problem….
How Sharkskin Can Help Save Lives video clip
How to make a friend: Big Bang Theory *

10. This is the question you want answered; also called the “purpose”.
1. State the Problem
This is the question you want answered;
also called the “purpose”.
2. Form a Hypothesis
A suggested solution to the problem; it predicts an outcome
Must be testable!
Sometimes written as If…Then… statements
Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.
Your hypothesis is an educated guess that can be revised
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11. 3. Set up a Controlled Experiment
Develop and follow a procedure that test your hypothesis
Include a detailed materials list
During an experiment you only want to change ONE factor at a time.
To make an experiment more reliable/valid use:
a LARGE sample size, have MULTIPLE trials and
use a control
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12. LET’S SEE HOW IT WORKS! The Scenario
A group of scientists would like to know the affects of ozone on plant life.
They set up several “mini” ecosystems in separate domes to conduct their experiment.
Each dome receives a different amount of ozone and one dome receives none.

13. Setting up a Controlled Experiment

14. TYPES OF VARIABLES Dependent Variable:
Things that can be manipulated or changed by a scientist during experiment
A controlled experiment tests ONE variable, while the others must stay the same
Independent Variable:
The factor being Manipulated or tested
Example from video clip: Ozone gas is being tested
Dependent Variable:
The Responding Variable; what is observed
The “things” the scientist is measuring
Example from video clip: Plant height, leaf count, rate of photosynthesis

15. What makes it a controlled experiment?
Controlled Variables: CONSTANTS
Things that must be kept constant (same) during experiment
If altered, can affect results and be used to show error in experiment.
Examples from video clip:
Sunlight, amount of water, type of soil, type of plant
Control Group:
Experimental setup that does NOT receive the variable that is being tested
All other groups are compared with the results of this group to see if there is any change to the test subject
Often called the “standard for comparison”
Example from video clip:
Dome without ozone gas
NO ozone gas

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17. Bellwork: Time to think and apply…*
07/16/96
Bellwork: Time to think and apply…
A) Which statement describes the best procedure to determine if a vaccine for a disease in a certain bird species is effective?
(1) Vaccinate 100 birds and expose all 100 to the disease.
(2) Vaccinate 100 birds and expose only 50 of them to the disease.
(3) Vaccinate 50 birds, do not vaccinate 50 other birds, and expose all 100 to the disease.
(4) Vaccinate 50 birds, do not vaccinate 50 other birds, and expose only the vaccinate birds to the disease
Day 4: Quick review of yesterday’s lesson: Collecting Data
Practice: Graphing Skills Lab
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18. B) An experiment was performed to determine the effect of different mineral salts on plant growth. Forty pots containing identical plants were divided into four equal groups and placed in a well-lighted greenhouse. Each pot contained an equal amount of non-mineral potting soil and one plant. Minerals were then added in equal amounts to each experimental group of pots as shown below: For the experiment to be valid, what should be added to the control group of pots? 1) water 3) potassium salts 2) nitrogen salts 4) potassium and phosphorus salts
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19. *
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4. Collect Data
This section includes all of the data and information collected.
How do you present your data?
Diagrams, tables, charts, graph
Graphing: Placement of variables on the axis
Independent Variable: goes on the X Axis (horizontal)
Dependent Variable: goes on the
Y- axis (vertical)
Think: DRY MIX
Day 4: Y X *

20. 5. Analyze Results 6. Conclusion:*
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5. Analyze Results
After your data is organized you must be able to interpret the data
Modify the procedure if needed.
Confirm the results by repeating.
6. Conclusion:
Was your hypothesis correct?
Accept or Reject (refute)
Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure.
Day 5: slides 28-33
Bringing it all together: Using the Experimental Matrix complete Redi’s experiment
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21. 7. Communicate the Results:*
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7. Communicate the Results:
Can your experiment be retested and always get same results?
Expect questions from the audience….Peer review
V. Scientific Theory:
A hypothesis that is so well supported by many different scientific investigations
A well tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations
Remember: Theories can be revised.
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22. SUMMARY Controlled Experiment Control Group:
compared to the experimental group
does not get the treatment
Experimental Group(s):
group that is treated differently.
Controlled variables:
Things that are kept constant during an exp
If altered it can show error
Independent variable:
Manipulated by the scientist
goes on the X – Axis
Dependent variable:
Responding variable (tested against independent)
goes on the Y – Axis
Hypothesis:
prediction that can be tested
Must have two types of groups
Used to test a
Has 3 types of variables
SUMMARY
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24. Making a Graph From A Data Table*
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Making a Graph From A Data Table
Water Released and Absorbed by Tree
Water released by leaves
Absorbed
by Roots
(g/h)
Released
by Leaves
(g/h) 20
Time 15
8 AM 1 2
10 AM 1 5 10
Relative Rates (g/h)
Water absorbed by roots
12 PM 4 12 5
2 PM 6 17
Practice: Graphing Skills Lab 9 16
4 PM
6 PM 14 10
2 PM
10 AM
8 AM
12 PM
6 PM
4 PM
8 PM
8 PM 10 3
Time
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