1. Scientific Method "The Big Bang Theory" on the Scientific Method
Scientific Method Song

2. How Does Science take place?
Scientific Method 1. observation/purpose/ask a question/state a problem 2. research/collect information 3. Form a hypothesis 4. experiment 5. observe, record, & analyze data (results) 6. conclusion (then repeat experiment or confirm with other scientitists) 7. Publish

3. Conducting Experiments
Factors that are likely to change:
called variables
Independent variable – scientist controls (What the scientist decides to change or make different before the experiment begins)
Dependent variable – changes in response to the independent variable. (What the scientist is looking for is measuring/observing during or at the end of the experiment)
Controlled variable (AKA constants)– variables that are not allowed to change (stay the same throughout the experiment)

4. Example of Variables
Experimenter looks at affect of car speed on gas mileage.
Independent variable –
Dependent variable –
Controlled variables –

5. Example of Scientific Method
1. Observation/Purpose/Problem Room looks completely dark 2. Question/Research/Collect Information Why is it dark? 3. Hypothesis 1) Lights are off 2) Light bulb is burnt out 3) You are blind If I am blind, then the environment will be dark to me.

6. Experiments
4 and 5) Run Experiments and Collect Data

7. Conclusions 6. Conclusions accept or reject the hypothesis
make statements about how your results will apply to other situations
Ex: If you conclude that you are blind, predict that the other rooms will be dark too
7. Publish
Let others know what I found out

8. Theory vs Law
Theory – The best explanation based upon a series of observations and experiments
Can’t be proven, but can be disproven
Ex: Germ Theory, Cell Theory, Theory of Evolution
Law – A statement that is proven based upon scientific investigations and experiments, that stands the test of time; universal
Proven, factual
Ex: Newton’s Laws of Motion, Laws of Thermodynamics, Universal Law of Gravitation