1. Introduction to Science and the Scientific Method Science 8

2. What is Science?
The goal of science is to investigate, understand, explain events, make connections about the natural world.
In elementary school, what did you learn about in science? List two things:
_________________________________________
____________________________________________

3. How is Science done? Science always begins with an initial observation
Can you think about three observations that you have made so far throughout the day.
Share your observations with a friend.

4. How is Science done? What usually follows after an observation?
Ask a Question
Can you think of an example?
_____________________________

5. Scientific Method
The scientific method is a series of steps used by a scientist to solve a problem or answer a questions
The steps include:
Make an Observation
Ask a Question
Make a Prediction (aka Forming a Hypothesis)
Plan and Conduct a Controlled Experiment
Process and Analyze Data
Evaluate and draw Conclusions (you often need to repeat experiments multiple times)
Communicate results
Apply and Innovate

6. Make a Prediction (aka Hypothesis)
A hypothesis is a scientific explanation to the question you had on the observations you have made
You are making a prediction
You have to be able to test your hypothesis
Your hypothesis hasn’t been proven correct or incorrect yet.

7. Hypothesis We like to use “if……..then…….” statements Example:
If you drink coffee before going to bed, then it will take longer to fall asleep.
If you cover a wound with a bandage, then it will heal with less scarring.
Can you think of one?
__________________________________________ __________________________________________

8. Plan and Conduct a Controlled Experiment
In an experiment, there are many factors that affect the results of an experiment
Theses factors are called variables
Some examples of variables include: changing the temperature, the amount of light, time, concentration of solutions
A controlled experiment works with one variable at a time
In a controlled experiment, only one variable is changed at a time.
All other variables should remain the same.

9. Plan and Conduct a Controlled Experiment
Variables that changes in an experiment are called independent (manipulated) variables
The results due to the independent variable is called the dependent (responding) variable

10. Plan and Conduct a Controlled Experiment
An experiment is based on the comparison between a control group with an experimental group
These 2 groups are identical except for one factor
The control group serves as the comparison.
It is the same as the experimental group, except that the one variable that is being tested is removed
The experimental group shows the effect of the variable that is being tested

11. Plan and Conduct a Controlled Experiment
Example:
Larry was told that a certain muscle cream was the newest best thing on the market and claims to double a person’s muscle power when used as part of a muscle-building workout. Interested in this product, he buys the special muscle cream and recruits Patrick and SpongeBob to help him with an experiment. Larry develops a special marshmallow weight-lifting program for Patrick and SpongeBob. He meets with them once every day for a period of 2 weeks and keeps track of their results. Before each session Patrick’s arms are lathered in the muscle cream, while Sponge Bob’s arms are lathered with the regular lotion. The size of their arms are measured.
Time
Patrick (cm)
SpongeBob (cm)
Initial Amount 18 5
After 1 Week 24 9
After 2 Weeks 33 17

12. Plan and Conduct a Controlled Experiment
Which person is in the control group?
Which person is in the experimental group?
What is the independent variable?
What is the dependent variable?

13. Process and Analyze Data
Observations from the experiment can be recorded down as data.
The data that has been collected must be organized and analyzed
You want to know if the data support or not support the hypothesis

14. There are 2 types of data:
Quantitative Data are: numbers and are obtained by counting and measuring
Qualitative Data are: descriptions and involve characteristics that cannot be counted

15. EXAMPLES OF QUANTITATIVE DATA
EXAMPLES OF QUALITATIVE DATA

16. Evaluate and Draw Conclusions
The evidence from the experiment is used to determine if the hypothesis is proven correct or proven incorrect
Experiments must be repeated over and over. When repeated, the results should always be the same before a valid conclusion can be reached.

17. Communicate
Once a valid conclusion has been reached, results can be communicated to the scientific community.
With more time and further investigation, theories and laws can be developed.
This information can be shared with the general public and to students like you!

18. Apply and Innovate
When scientists draw valid conclusions in experiments, it will often leads to application of real life situations.
Example: Math and Physics calculations involved in building a bridge
Example: The discovery of genes in plants to treat diseases in animals
Experimental conclusions often lead to other scientists wanting to innovate new ideas and experiments.
Scientists build and learn from one another
Scientists communicate with one another
Scientists depend on one another
The success of scientific discoveries depends on this.