1. Understanding the world around us through the Scientific Method

2. Scientific Method Notes
Goals of science:
To investigate, understand, and explain the natural world
To predict future events using explanations

3. Scientific Method Notes
Observation: use of the five senses to gather information (data)
a. quantitative: characteristic that involves numbers (counting or measuring)
b. qualitative: characteristic that is descriptive (does not involve numbers)

4. 2 Types of Observations
Qualitative Observation: an observation that is descriptive.
The cat ran quickly.
The plant appeared to be shriveled.
The road is long.
Quantitative Observation: an observation that is based on measurement.
The cat weighs 4 pounds.
The plant is 45 mm tall.
The road is 5 km long.

5. Agree/disagree?
1. Given the same set of evidence, most scientists will arrive at the same conclusion.
2. Every scientific question has a single correct answer.

6. Today, you are a paleontologist

7. Fossil dinosaur tracks Near NYC Your task: reconstruct what happened
Your dig site:
Fossil dinosaur tracks
Near NYC
Your task: reconstruct what happened
What first step should we take?

8. Make 2 observations of what you see.
Type your observations in your notes, below.

9. 2 qualitative observations 2 quantitative observations
Given this new evidence, make:
2 qualitative observations 2 quantitative observations
Adapted from Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science. (1998). Washington, DC: National Academy Press

10. Adapted from Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science. (1998). Washington, DC: National Academy Press

11. ____ There are six dinosaurs. ____ The climate is warm.
monstermarketplace.com
____ There are six dinosaurs.
____ The climate is warm.
____ The volcano is erupting.
____ The T-rex is chasing another dinosaur.
____ Two dinosaurs are flying, and four are walking.
____ There are several tree-like plants with green-colored leaves.

12. Scientific Method Notes
2. hypothesis:
possible explanation for a set of observations; possible answer to a scientific question

13. Scientific Method Notes
3. experiment: test of a hypothesis
control: experimental factor that stays the same in all tests
variable: experimental factor that changes between tests
Change only one variable at a time!

14. Scientific Method Notes
4. results: written record of observations and measurements (data) from an experiment
Example: notes, graphs, tables and charts

15. Scientific Method Notes
5. Conclusion: uses results to show that the hypothesis was supported (correct) or rejected (incorrect)
Includes error analysis
A good scientist would repeat his/her experiment several times and then publish the results so other scientists can repeat it as well!

16. Scientific Method Notes
6. Theory: hypothesis that is supported by evidence from many experiments
Allows scientists to make predictions about future events
NOT a fact – it may be revised or replaced

17. Recap of Scientific Method
Observe ==> Question
Research
Develop a Hypothesis
Experiment
Collect/Analyze Data
Conclusion
Repeat

18. Turn to you’re A/B partner
Explain the steps of the Scientific Method to your neighbor.
A goes first.
Then B.