1. Methods of Science
Chapter 1 Section 3

2. Science is a process based on inquiry that develops explanations.
Main Idea
Science is a process based on inquiry that develops explanations.

3. What are the differences between an observation and an inference?
Thinking Questions
What are the differences between an observation and an inference?
What are the differences among a control, independent variable, and dependent variable?
What are the scientific methods a biologist uses for research?
Why are the metric system and SI important?
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4. Scientific Inquiry
Science- a body of knowledge based on the study of the natural world
Theory- an explanation of a natural phenomenon supported by many observations and experiments
Scientific Law- describes relationships under certain conditions in nature
Peer Review- a process by which the procedures and results of an experiment are evaluated by other scientists
Ethics- a set of moral principles or values
Forensics- the field of study that applies science to matters of legal interest and other areas such as archaeology

5. Ask a Question Scientific inquiry begins with observation.
Scientific inquiry involves asking questions and processing information from a variety of reliable sources.
Scientific Inquiry

6. Form a Hypothesis Scientific Inquiry
A hypothesis is a testable explanation of a situation.
When a hypothesis is supported by data from multiple investigations, the hypothesis is usually considered valid and is accepted by the scientific community.
If the hypothesis is not supported by scientific investigations, the hypothesis is revised, and additional investigations are conducted .
Scientific Inquiry

7. Scientific Methods Scientific Inquiry
Scientific inquiry begins with observation, a direct method of gathering information in an orderly way.
The process of combining what you know with what you have learned to draw logical conclusions is called inferring; the conclusions themselves are called inferences.
The methods scientists use to gather data and answer questions are referred to as scientific methods.
Scientific Inquiry

8. Collect the Data Controlled experiments Scientific Methods
When a scientist conducts an experiment, they investigate a phenomenon in a controlled setting to test a hypothesis.
The control group in an experiment is the group used for comparison.
An experimental group is a group exposed to the factor being tested.
Scientific Methods

9. Collect the Data Scientific Methods Experimental design
During a controlled experiment, only one factor can change at a time.
Independent variable —the tested factor that might affect the outcome of the experiment
Dependent variable —results from or depends on changes to the independent variable.
Constant —a factor that remains fixed during an experiment while the independent and dependent variables change.
Scientific Methods

10. Collect the Data Data gathering Scientific Methods
As scientists test their hypotheses, they gather data– information gained from observations.
Quantitative data can be collected as numbers, such as measurements of time, temperature, length, mass, etc.
Qualitative data are descriptions of what our senses detect.
Data is organized in notebooks and tables
Scientific Methods

11. Collect the Data Scientific Methods Investigations
Not all scientific inquiry is based on controlled experiments
Investigations rely on observation and collection of data rather than manipulating variables
Metric system
The metric system uses units with divisions that are powers of ten.
SI units (International System of Units) are commonly used in science for consistency and ease of communication.
Scientific Methods

12. Analyze the Data Scientific Methods
After data collection, scientists use analyses to ask questions, such as “Has my hypothesis been supported?” or, “Is more data needed?”
Patterns in data can be displayed in tables and graphs.
Data analysis determines if the hypothesis is supported or rejected.
Scientific Methods

13. Report Conclusions Scientific Methods
Before a scientist can publish their findings, it must be peer- reviewed.
If the reviewers agree on the merit of a paper, it is published in a scientific journal.
Other scientists use published papers to evaluate and develop their own research.
Scientific Methods

14. Define the Problem – Ask a Question/Make Observation
Steps to the Scientific Method
Define the Problem – Ask a Question/Make Observation
Form a Hypothesis
Design a Controlled Experiment
Collect Data
Analyze Data
Draw Conclusions
Communicate Results

15. Review Essential Questions Vocabulary
What are the differences between an observation and an inference?
What are the differences among a control, independent variable, and dependent variable?
What are the scientific methods a biologist uses for research?
Why are the metric system and SI important?
Vocabulary
observation
inference
scientific method
experiment
control group
experimental group
independent variable
dependent variable
constant
data
metric system SI
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Methods of Science