1. Mr. Fetch's Earth Science Class
Our goal this year…
Mr. Fetch's Earth Science Class
Mr. Fetch’s Earth Science Classroom A+

2. Mr. Fetch's Earth Science Class
What is science, and what do scientists do?
Science is a process of observing, studying, and thinking about things in the world to gain knowledge.
What is Science
Trying to solve a mystery. They are curious, observant, and are always using their knowledge to find answers.
Like Detectives
They use problem solving procedures called scientific methods.
Problem Solvers
Mr. Fetch's Earth Science Class
Mr. Fetch’s Earth Science Classroom A+

3. Mr. Fetch's Earth Science Class
Scientific Methods
The majors steps in the scientific method are:
Step 1: Identify a Problem
The question you want to answer. What you are trying to find.
Step 2: Make Observations / Research Information
Anything you notice about the problem. Anything else you can learn.
Step 3: Make Hypothesis
A likely, testable explanation of the problem.
Step 4: Test Hypothesis
Experiment to find data and possible answers to your problem.
Step 5: Collect Data
Information or measurements from the experiment.
Step 6: Study / Analyze the Data
Decide what the information means.
SCIENTISTS DO NOT ALWAYS FOLLOW THESE IN ORDER LIKE A RECIPE
and collect data
Step 7: Draw Conclusions
Decide if your data supports your hypothesis.
Mr. Fetch's Earth Science Class
Mr. Fetch’s Earth Science Classroom A+

4. Mr. Fetch's Earth Science Class
Experimenting
Experimenting is an important and useful way to learn answers to your questions or problems.
Different factors that can change during an experiment are known as variables.
Closet
Window Sill
An Independent Variable is the variable an experimenter change.
Sunlight
Food
Water
Temperature
A Dependent Variable is the variable that occurs as a result of the experimenters’ change.
Size of the leaves
Tallness (cm of growth)
Color of leaves
Number of flower buds
Change only 1 variable at a time
Corner of the Room
Mr. Fetch's Earth Science Class
Mr. Fetch’s Earth Science Classroom A+

5. Mr. Fetch's Earth Science Class
Experimenting
You change only 1 variable at a time when experimenting. The rest of the variables you would hold CONSTANT.
Factors that do not change are called constants.
Closet
Window Sill
You would change the amount of sunlight, but make sure the amount of food, water, and temperature were constant (exactly the same). If you changed more than one variable, you would not know what caused the plant do die.
Sunlight
Food
Water
Temperature
Size of the leaves
Tallness (cm of growth)
Color of leaves
Change only 1 variable at a time
Corner of the Room
Mr. Fetch's Earth Science Class
Mr. Fetch’s Earth Science Classroom A+

6. Mr. Fetch's Earth Science Class
Experimenting
A control is a standard to which you can compare your results (Water) (Salt water) (Sugar Water)
Why should you always repeat your experiments several times?
After you experiment (or test your hypothesis) you should always collected your data, organize it, and study it. (Graph or Chart)
To make sure your results are as accurate as possible.
Trial 1
Trial 2
Trial 3
Trial 4
20 cm
40cm
45cm
52cm
Mr. Fetch's Earth Science Class
Mr. Fetch’s Earth Science Classroom A+