1. Chapter 1 The Scientific Method

2. The Scientific Method
The Scientific Method involves the following steps:
Making observations
Formulating a hypothesis
Designing a controlled experiment
Collecting and interpreting data
Forming a conclusion
Comparing the conclusion with existing knowledge
Reporting and publishing the results
Developing theories and principles

3. Scientific Method 1.1 THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD (2 class periods)
Biologists seek solutions to problems that relate to the living world and employ processes of science that lead to the discovery of new knowledge.
The process of science can be termed the scientific method.
Even though the scientific method is quiet variable, it is possible to point out certain steps that characterise the scientific method:
Making observations
Formulating hypotheses to explain the observations
Testing the validity of the hypotheses by designing a controlled experiment
Collecting and interpreting the data from the experiment
Coming to a conclusion
Placement of conclusions in the context of existing knowledge
Reporting and publishing results
Which may lead to the formation of theory and scientific principle
The observations ,hypotheses and experiments are documented in accessible sources where all can examine them. These results are expected to be repeatable, that is, to be obtained by anyone following the same procedure.
It is the aim of enquiry to formulate theories and principles to explain the existence, development and functions of the natural world.
The scientific method may be used in areas that raise ethical issues. In recent years such contentious issues have been mainly related to the origin of life, human reproduction, medicine and developments in biotechnology

4. The Edward Jenner Story

5. e.g. Edward Jenner’s investigation
The Scientific method
e.g. Edward Jenner’s investigation
Jenner noticed that people who caught Cowpox (a minor disease) did not seem to get Smallpox (a fatal disease).
Jenner hypothesised that if someone got cowpox and recovered then they would not get smallpox.
The Scientist
makes an Observation
A hypothesis
is formed. (A hypothesis is an educated guess based on the initial observation).

6. An experiment is designed to test the hypothesis.
4. Interpretation of results.
5. Conclusion
Jenner injected a boy with cowpox and later injected him with smallpox. Jenner tested the boy for smallpox and found that he did not have it. Jenner concluded that a person who once had cowpox would not get smallpox.

7. Based on the results of an experiment a hypothesis can be supported, rejected or changed and retested.
Details of the experiment and the results can be published in a Journal to inform the scientific community and allow further research.
If a hypothesis is continually supported by many experiments it becomes known as a theory.
When a theory has been shown to be correct under all conditions then it becomes known as a Law or Principle.

8. 1. Observation
You observe something using your senses or machines which are basically extensions of those senses.

9. Question You ask a question about what you observed.
Form a question about a specific event or reaction.
State it as a problem or question:
How does human activity affect global warming?
Why are honeybee populations suddenly declining?
What enables birds to migrate such long distances?

10. 2. Form a Hypothesis
Hypothesis: is an educated guess based on observations.
You predict what you think the answer to your question might be.

11. 3. Design an Experiment
Design controlled experiments, a series of steps, to test the hypothesis, to see if it is correct or not.

12. 4. Collect & Analyse Data
Collect information, measurements and observations from experiements.

13. 5. Draw Conclusions
Determine from the data collected if the hypothesis was correct or incorrect

14. 6. Compare
You compare your conclusion with existing knowledge, to see if it supports or rejects existing knowledge.

15. 7. Report and Publish results
Details of the experiment and the results can be published in a Journal to inform the scientific community and allow further research.

16. 8. Develop a theory or principle
If a hypothesis is continually supported by many experiments it becomes known as a theory.
When a theory has been shown to be correct under all conditions then it becomes known as a Law or Principle.

17. Scientific Theory - a general statement of why things work based on hypotheses that have been tested many times
Scientific Law - a statement of what happens in a certain event based on verified observations & experiments

18. What are the main steps in the Scientific Method?
Observation
Hypothesis
Experiment
Result
Conclusion

20. Steps in the scientific method
Observation
Question
Hypothesis
Test/Experiment
Results
Conclusions

21. The Scientific Method Quiz
An excel quiz on the steps involved

22. The Scientific Method