1. Science in Our World
Chapter 1
7th Science-GIBB

2. Scientific Method Ask a question Form a hypothesis
Definition - the ways in which scientists answer questions and solve problems
6 Steps
Ask a question
Form a hypothesis
3.Test the hypothesis
4. Analyze the results
5. Draw conclusions
6.Communicate results
7th Science-GIBB
TEKS

3. 6 Steps to Scientific Method6. 1. 5. 2. 3. 4.

4. Scientific Method Ask question Form hypothesis Focus or purpose
Example: How does sunlight effect plant growth?
Form hypothesis
Possible answer or explanation to question
Use what you know (research)
Predictions
If-then statements
Must be testable
Testable or Not Testable examples
Example: If the plant receives little or no sunlight then the plant growth will be limited.
7th Science-GIBB
TEKS

5. Scientific Method Test hypothesis
Create an experiment that will clearly show if a certain factor causes a given outcome
Factor- anything in an experiment that can influence the outcome
Example: The only factor we are testing is the amount of sunlight. We wouldn’t want to water the plants differently or put them in different pots.
Have a controlled experiment
Controlled Experiment- uses a control group and one or more experimental group(s), all factors are the same except one
Example: 3 plants (same type), Plant A receives no sunlight, Plant B receives 2 hours of sunlight a day and Plant C receives the while day’s sunlight
Variable- the one change that is being tested in the controlled experiment
Example: amount of sunlight
Collect data during the experiment
7th Science-GIBB
TEKS

6. Scientific Method Analyze results Draw conclusions Communicate results
Done once experiment is over and all data is collected
Construct reasonable explanations based on the evidence you collected in your experiment
Tables, graphs, and charts
Example: see chart
Draw conclusions
Do the results support the hypothesis?
It is ok to be wrong 
Communicate results
Speeches, reports, and repeated experiments
7th Science-GIBB
TEKS

7. Scientific Models Definition – representation of an object or system
Example: Map of Friendswood
3 Kinds of Models:
Physical – look like the item they are modeling
Mathematical – made up of mathematical equations and data
Conceptual – system of ideas, groupings, or classification
Scale models – ratios between model’s dimensions and the object it models remains constant
Example: maps
Theory – explanation for hypothesis and observations that have been supported by testing, it explains and predicts
Law – summary of many experimental results and observations, tells you how things work
7th Science-GIBB
TEKS 7.4

8. Equipment and Measurement
Tools for Measuring (examples)
Stopwatch (time)
Meter stick (length)
Balances (mass)
Thermometers (temperature)
Spring Scales (force)
Graduated cylinder (volume)
Tools for Analyzing (examples)
Calculators
Graphs
Figures
Computers
7th Science-GIBB
TEKS 7.4

9. Equipment and Measurement
Why do we need these tools?
Measure your desk with hand vs. ruler
International System of Units (SI)
Almost all countries use this system
Scientists can share information
Based on the number 10
Makes conversions easier
7th Science-GIBB
TEKS 7.4

10. Equipment and Measurement
Length
SI unit – meter
KHDMDCM model
Area
How much surface an object has
2 measurements: length x width
Expressed as square units, m2, km2, cm2
What is the area of your textbook?
Volume
Amount of space something occupies or amount of space something takes up
3 measurements: Length x width x height
Volume of boxes
Expressed in cubic units, cm3, L3
Measured by graduated cylinders
Volume of irregular shaped objects
Amount of water it displaces
Rock in a graduated cylinder
Theory – explanation for hypothesis and observations that have been supported by testing, it explains and predicts
Law – summary of many experimental results and observations, tells you how things work
7th Science-GIBB
TEKS 7.4

11. Equipment and Measurement
Mass
Amount of matter
Typically measured in kilograms (large items) or grams (small items)
Which has more mass, a kilogram of feathers or a kilogram of bricks?
Density
Amount of matter in a given volume
2 measurements: mass / volume
Expressed as g/mL or g/cm3
Temperature
Measure of how hot or cold something is
Expressed as degrees Fahrenheit, degrees Celsius, or Kelvin (SI)
Water boils at 212 F and 100 C
Water freezes at 32 F and 0 C
Body temperature is 98.6 F
7th Science-GIBB
TEKS 7.4