1. Introduction to Scientific Investigations
(Pages 24 – 47)

2. Benchmarks
SC.6.N.2.2 Explain that scientific knowledge is durable because it is open to change as new evidence or interpretations are encountered.
SC.7.N.1.6 Explain that empirical evidence is the cumulative body of observations of a natural phenomenon on which scientific explanations are based.
SC.7.N.1.7 Explain that scientific knowledge is the result of a great deal of debate and confirmation within the science community. SC.7.N.2.1 Identify an instance from the history of science in which scientific knowledge has changed when new evidence or new interpretations are encountered.
SC.8.N.1.6 Understand that scientific investigations involve the collection of relevant empirical evidence; the use of logical reasoning; and the application of imagination in devising hypotheses, predictions, explanations, and models to make sense of the collected evidence.

3. Does Science Change?
Science is TENTATIVE - constantly changing as new questions are asked, new ideas are explored, and technology advances
Scientific Inquiry – the way scientists question and explore new ideas

4. What is are the “steps” of a scientific investigation?
There is no set of steps that must be completed in order; science is not linear
There are basic
components

5. What are the components of the scientific process?
Problem
Ask a question
What is the effect of ____ on ____?
Always written in question format

6. What are the components of the scientific process?
Research
What do you need to know, what do you already know, build your knowledge
Number of resources

7. What are the components of the scientific process?
Hypothesis
A possible explanation or
answer to a question
If (IV) then (DV) because…
Independent Variable – the thing you intentionally change, also called tested variable
Dependent Variable – the thing that will change because of the IV, also called outcome variable, the thing you measure (data)

8. What are the components of the scientific process?
Experiment
Test out your hypothesis
Variables – the things that change
Constants – the things that remain
the same (also called controlled variables)
Control group – the one used for comparison
Trials – repeat the experiment
(ideally 10 trials)

9. What are the components of the scientific process?
Experiment (cont.)
Record DATA gathered by observing or making inferences
Observation – 5 senses
Quantitative = numbers
Qualitative = description
Inference – explanation
based on patterns or
past experience

10. What are the components of the scientific process?
Data Analysis (Results)
Study your
data charts,
graphs and
tables to see
what your
experiment
revealed
IV = x-axis
DV = y-axis

11. What are the components of the scientific process?
Conclusion
Was your hypothesis right? What data supports/rejects your hypothesis? How would you improve your experiment?
Paragraph format (8-10 sentences)

12. What do I do after an investigation?
Peer Review – allow others to evaluate your experiment/findings
Publish - communicate your findings with other scientists and public (journals, meetings, Internet)
Replication – other scientists perform your experiment and get similar results