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Published byAnne Maxwell Modified over 9 years ago
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Unit 1 THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD & VARIABLES
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I. The goal of science To INVESTIGATE! And UNDERSTAND! The natural world... To explain events in the natural world To use those explanations to make useful predictions
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What does science study? The NATURAL WORLD, the search for patterns and connections between events
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II. THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD There is no one SCIENTIFIC METHOD. THERE ARE COMMON FEATURES IN HOW SCIENTISTS DO THEIR WORK.
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Scientific Method 1. Question/problem 2. Background Research 3. Hypothesis 4. Experiment 5. Data and Analysis 6. Conclusion 7. Report
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1. Formulate a Question or Problem A realistic question Needs to be measurable
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2. Background Research Inform yourself about the experiment Inform the scientists of existing methods and materials. Creates accountability and relevance.
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3. Hypothesis It is an educated guess as to how things work Sometimes in an “if ____ then _____” format. It explains the relationship of the independent variable on the dependent variable. Must be testable by performing controlled experiment or by gathering more data!
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Variables Independent (Manipulated) variable : the thing that we personally alter. Dependent (Responding) variable : the thing that we record/measure. Constant variable : anything that is not altered during the course of the experiment.
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4. Experiment Develop a detailed list of materials and procedures. Define the independent and dependent variable and constants, along with Control group and Experimental Group Multiple trials are important. Why? Test experiment using proper safety materials. Document all observations carefully.
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Observations QUALITATIVE vs. QUANTITATIVE
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QUALITATIVE: Characteristics that cannot be measured or counted. Color, shape, feel, taste, sound QUANTITATIVE Based on exact measurements The room is 8 meters across.
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5. Record and Analyze Data Organize quantifiable data. Put in chart or graph. Make it easy for people to see differences/similarities State trends. No conclusions should be drawn. Graphs should be easy to see.
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6. Conclusion Is the hypothesis accepted or rejected? Can we answer the overall question? Implications for future study. Sources of error. What did you learn overall? Was it fun?
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7. Report and Repeat Experiment Compile all work into a presentable form. Have other people repeat and verify the experiment.
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Hypothesis - GOOD OR BAD? WHY? Everyone that wears green is cool.
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