1. Obj. 1 Investigative Techniques State Correlation 1a-1h
The Nature of Science
Obj. 1 Investigative Techniques
State Correlation 1a-1h

2. What is Science?
A way or a process used to investigate in order to learn more about the natural world
Learning process usually begins by observing with your eyes and asking a question
ex. You see a rainbow and wonder why it is shaped like a half circle
Scientists ask questions about the natural world.

3. Examples of questions Why, how, or when something occurred
Can you think of an example that can be answered scientifically?
Students share at least one question per person in a group. Call on two groups to share one example

4. Science creates Technology
The practical use of science to make products or tools that people can use

5. Technology & Science: Working hand-in-hand
Science helps create technology, but technology helps advance Science
Give an example of this statement.

7. Conducting an Investigation
Science In Action
Conducting an Investigation
The scientific method includes ways or steps to follow in order to solve a problem.

8. Steps of the Scientific Method
Observing & Questioning
Research / background knowledge
Form a hypothesis & making predictions
Investigate to learn more
Analyze
Form conclusions
Communicate findings
Repeat the process
Use a sequence flow map to order the steps of the process

9. All Science starts with an Observation or Question
Qualitative observations: Observations of an object / substance which cannot be given a mathematical value (measured or counted)
Ex. Color of material, smell, taste, state of matter
Quantitative observations: Observations of an object / substance/ situation that are measurable and are given a specific mathematical value
Ex. Length of material, melting point, speed, mass, volume
Use a circle map to define Qualitative and Quantitative observations HW or bell work: double bubble to compare and contrast

10. Research/Background Knowledge
Research what others already know and results of other people’s investigations related to your topic.
Helps make a hypothesis/speculation
Increases background knowledge to help make better conclusions about results
Examples of resources: Internet, electronic encyclopedia, journals, community, magazines

11. Designing an Investigation
Controlled experiment: used to answer questions by testing a hypothesis through a series of carefully controlled steps
manipulate one variable to see if it affects another variable
Example: Do an experiment to determine if the type of gas used in a tire increases tread life

12. Elements of a Controlled Experiment
Testable Question (cause & effect)
Example: What type of fertilizer will help plants grow the best?
Hypothesis: a prediction or statement that can be tested or solved
Variables: a factor that changes in an experiment

13. Types of Variables
Independent variable: factor that is changed/manipulated because it is controlled by the experimenter
Ex. Type of Fertilizer
Dependent variable: factor that is being measured and changes as a result of the independent variable being applied
Ex. Height the plant grows
Use a tree map to organize types of variables, Use a double bubble to compare and contrast independent and dependent variables

14. Variables
Constant: factors that remain the same throughout the course of the experiment
Ex. Plant, amount of water
Can you think of other examples?
Control Group: Sample that is treated like other experimental groups except that the independent variable is not applied to it
Example: One plant will not get fertilizer

15. Collecting & Organizing Data
Detailed & accurate notes must be written & measurements must be taken
Ways to organize: journal, log book, data charts
Week
Fertilizer A (height)
Fertilizer B
(height)
Fertilizer C
No Fertilizer 1 2 3 4

16. Analyze Your Results
Analyze: to examine carefully and in detail so as to identify causes, key factors, &/or possible results
Represent data in a meaningful way
Ex. Line graph, Bar graph, Circle graph
Evaluate the data you have collected
Look for patterns
Sequentially organize results

17. Line Graph
Shows a cause and effect relationship between an independent and dependent variable.

18. Draw Conclusions
Restate the hypothesis with evidence from the investigation to justify your conclusion
Based on your data justify your conclusion
Inferences: decisions/conclusions based on an investigation and evidence
Justify: stating whether a hypothesis is right or wrong using evidence to support your answer.
Also known as reasoned judgement

19. Skepticism
Scientific skepticism is the practice of questioning the validity of a conclusion that lacks solid evidence
Must be repeatable to be reliable
Must make sense
Other explanations must be considered
Causes doubt
Examples: Earth was thought to be center of solar system.

20. Accuracy and Precision
- Mathematics and Science
Accuracy and Precision
Experiments & data must have both!
Accuracy: true, correct, or exact; freedom from error or defect; correctness.
Precision: repeatable; same results every time

21. Communicate
Communicate your results to others in order to help create technology or new investigations

22. “Is Man’s Best Friend a Spy?”
What question led to this study?
What was the scientists’ hypothesis?
How did they test this?
What were their results?
What kind of new questions could this study raise?
Design an experiment to test this.