1. Scientific Method and Experimental Design
The Process of Science
Scientific Method
and
Experimental Design

2. Science as an Inquiry Science is way of knowing
Inquiry is a process of investigation
Curiosity leads to asking questions

3. Science vs Pseudoscience

4. Observations vs Inference
Observation – the use of senses; such as
vision/hearing
Inferences – a logical conclusion based on observation
Example:
Doorbell Ringing – An Observation
Someone at the Door? – Inference
Unless you can see through the door
Could be a short circuit.

5. Steps to scientific experimenting
Question
Do research
Form a hypothesis (your own explanation)
Test/Experiment
Collect and record Data
Analyze Data and form a conclusion
Test again (many more times)

6. Forming and Testing a Hypothesis
Hypothesis – a suggested answer to a well-defined scientific question. After having done research.
An explanation on trial

7. Data Data - recorded observation; items of information
Quantitative: Numbers (height, weight)
Qualitative: Descriptive (skin color)

8. Designing a Controlled Experiment
Variable – A condition that can differ within the experiment (color light, amount of water, pH, etc)
Independent: what you are testing, manipulating (light color, types of water, pH, etc)
Dependent: what you are measuring (seed growth)

9. Control
Controlled Experiment – An experiment that test the effect of a single variable Control: what you will be using to compare your results (the normal) ex: freshwater, white light