1. The Scientific Method 8/22/17
SQRS: (pg. 2)
How do you use the scientific method each day? Give examples……

2. What is Science?

3. What is Science?
Science is a process that uses observations and investigations to gain knowledge about events in nature.

4. Major Categories of Science
Life Science – deals with living things
Earth Science – Earth and space
Physical Science – deals with matter and energy
Scientific study may overlap one or more categories!

5. Science Explains Nature
Scientific explanations help you understand what is going on in the natural world.
Sometimes explanations must be modified if new technology or new information is discovered

6. Science Explains Nature
Scientists learn new information by performing investigations.
Example: How do you know if you have allergies?
Observations
Experiments
Modeling

7. What is the Scientific Method?
The Scientific Method is an organized set of investigational procedures

8. 1. State the Problem or Question
Why?
How?
Should be stated in a clear and concise manner
Define the purpose.

9. 2.Gather Information/Research
You must learn as much as possible about background of the problem before you can begin
Your own research
Research from other scientists

10. Observation vs. Inference
Observation: using your 5 senses to gain information about your surroundings.
Ex: The grass outside my house is wet.
(what I see and feel)
Inference: uses prior knowledge gathered in observations to make an “educated guess” to explain an event.
Ex: It rained. The sprinkler was on this morning.
There is dew on the grass from the morning.
After we make our observations and form a inference, we can then formulate a hypothesis.

11. Practice: The Sun produces heat and light. _____
Practice: Read the statement and determine if it’s an observation or an inference. 
The Sun produces heat and light. _____
My skin itches because it is dry. _____
My father’s ladder is unstable. _____
There is no one on the beach because jellyfish are in the water. _____
There are jellyfish in the water. _____
The baby is crying because it is hungry. ______
Mrs. Welsh is going to win the barbecue contest. ______
The bus schedule says that the bus will arrive at 12:10pm. _____
The foul odor is coming from Tim’s locker. ______
Hot air rises. _____
Cut apples oxidize (turn brown) after a while. _____
Mrs. Barber gave us a test because she was grumpy. _____

12. 3.Form a Hypothesis Educated guess
A possible explanations for the problem
Educated guess
It is based on knowledge and observation
It provides a direction to the experimental process
It can be proved or disproved
Can be stated as an “If _______, then ______ statement.”

13. 4. Experiment
Include all materials that are needed for the experiment.
Identify the variables.
List the step-by-step explanation of the experimental process
Step 1: Get 2 slices of bread
Step 2: Put mustard on the top slice
Step 3: Place a hamburger patty on the bread
Step 4: Put cheese on the patty
Step 5: Add 2 pickles
Step 6: Eat!!

14. 5. Analyze the Data/List the Results
The results should be written in the form of observations—What have you learned?
Analyze the data from the experiment
Organize the data
Paragraph from
Tables
Graphs

15. 6. Conclusion/Communicate your results
The conclusion is drawn by looking at the results and comparing them with the problem
Was your hypothesis correct?
WHY or WHY NOT?
Explain!!!

16. Review: The Scientific Method
State the Problem
Research/Gather Information
Form a Hypothesis
Experiment
Analyze the Results
Draw Conclusions: Was your hypothesis correct? Why or Why not?

17. Ticket out the door: (write this on the sheet of paper I’ve given you)
This is how I feel today---
Make both an observation and an inference about how I feel and label both.
(Don’t forget to write your name on your paper!)