1. Big Idea 1 : The Practice of Science
Description   A: Scientific inquiry is a multifaceted activity; the processes of science include the formulation of scientifically investigable questions, construction of investigations into those questions, the collection of appropriate data, the evaluation of the meaning of those data, and the communication of this evaluation.
B: The processes of science frequently do not correspond to the traditional portrayal of "the scientific method “.
C: Scientific argumentation is a necessary part of scientific inquiry and plays an important role in the generation and validation of scientific knowledge.
D: Scientific knowledge is based on observation and inference; it is important to recognize that these are very different things. Not only does science require creativity in its methods and processes but also in its questions and explanations.

2. Benchmark Number & Descriptor
SC.7.N.1.1
Define a problem from the seventh grade curriculum, use appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigation of various types, such as systematic observations or experiments, identify variables, collect and organize data, interpret data in charts, tables, and graphics, analyze information, make predictions, and defend conclusions.
SC.7.N.1.2
Differentiate replication (by others) from repetition (multiple trials).
SC.7.N.1.3
Distinguish between an experiment (which must involve the identification and control of variables) and other forms of scientific investigation and explain that not all scientific knowledge is derived from experimentation.
SC.7.N.1.4
Identify test variables (independent variables) and outcome variables (dependent variables) in an experiment.
SC.7.N.1.5
Describe the methods used in the pursuit of a scientific explanation as seen in different fields of science such as biology, geology, and physics.
SC.7.N.1.6
Explain that empirical evidence is the cumulative body of observations of a natural phenomenon on which scientific explanations are based.
SC.7.N.1.7
Explain that scientific knowledge is the result of a great deal of debate and confirmation within the science community.

3. SOLVING A PROBLEM

4. SCIENTIFIC METHOD Know what you are trying to find out.
RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM
RESEARCH THE PROBLEM
Know what you are trying to find out.
Use computers, books, and newspapers.
Know what other scientists have said about the problem.

5. SCIENTIFIC METHOD DESIGN AN EXPERIMENT FORM A HYPOTHESIS
Have an educated guess about what you think the outcome of the experiment may be.
Choose your materials.
Choose your variables:
Independent –
What you are changing
Dependent -
What you are measuring

6. PERFORM THE EXPERIMENT
SCIENTIFIC METHOD
PERFORM THE EXPERIMENT
ANALYZE THE DATA
Collect data.
Repeat multiple times.
Create charts and graphs to organize your data.
Look for similarities and differences.

7. EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE WHAT IS IT DIFFERENT EVIDENCE
Evidence relating to or based on an experiment
In order for evidence to be considered empirical, it must remain the same no matter who observes the evidence.
Empirical evidence is needed if a theory is going to be accepted.
Sometimes scientists run similar experiments but get different results.
If different information is obtained, scientists must come together and explain their findings.
More experiments, more evidence, and more communication is needed to ensure concrete results.

8. SCIENTIFIC METHOD COMMUNICATION DRAW A CONCLUSION
Summarize all your findings.
Compare findings to original hypothesis.
Keep your conclusion as simple as possible.
Scientists are a very close community.
When an experiment is completed, the results are shared throughout their community.
Information may be applied to other experiments, results can be compared, and differences can be explored.
New information can strengthen hypothesis or provide information to alter them.

9. KNOWLEDGE CHECK
Place the following steps of the Scientific Method in correct order.
______ Analyze the Data
______ Research the Problem
______ Design and Experiment
______ Draw a Conclusion
______ Recognize the Problem
______ Perform the Experiment
______ Form a Hypothesis
What is empirical evidence?
When an experiment is complete, why do scientists communicate their results?

10. KNOWLEDGE CHECK
Place the following steps of the Scientific Method in correct order.
___6__ Analyze the Data
___2__ Research the Problem
___4__ Design and Experiment
___7__ Draw a Conclusion
___1__ Recognize the Problem
___5_ Perform the Experiment
___3__ Form a Hypothesis
What is empirical evidence? Evidence that is non-subjective based on an experiment.
When an experiment is complete, why do scientists communicate their results? Information may be applied to other experiments, results can be compared, and differences can be explored.

11. VARIABLES in an experiment

12. TYPES OF VARIABLES Something that is changed by the scientist
Independent Variable
Dependent Variable
Something that is changed by the scientist
What is tested
What is manipulated
What is affected by the change in the independent variable
What is observed
What is measured
The data collected during the investigation

13. Different ages were tested by the scientist.
For Example:
PROBLEM
VARIABLES
Students of different ages were given the same jigsaw puzzle to put together. They were timed to see how long it took to finish the puzzle.
Independent:
Ages of the students
Different ages were tested by the scientist.
Dependent:
The time it to put the puzzle together
The time was observed and measured by the scientist.

14. Another Example: PROBLEM VARIABLES INDEPENDENT: DEPENDENT:
An investigation was done with an electromagnetic system made from a battery and wire wrapped around a nail. Different sizes of nails were used. The number of paper clips the electromagnet could pick up was measured.
INDEPENDENT:
Sizes of nails
These were changed by the scientist.
DEPENDENT:
Number of paper clips picked up
The number of paper clips observed and counted (measured)

15. KNOWLEDGE CHECK
The temperature of water was measured at different depths of a pond.
Identify the Independent Variable.
Identify the Dependent Variable.

16. KNOWLEDGE CHECK
The temperature of water was measured at different depths of a pond.
Identify the Independent Variable; depth of the water
Identify the Dependent Variable; temperature

17. ARE YOU SURE THAT’S THE ANSWER?

18. Doing it over and over and over…
Multiple Trials
Replication
Repeating an experiment proves its reliability and validity.
Reliability
Answers are consistent.
Validity
Does your experiment show what it is suppose to?
Able to be done by others.
Researchers must be able to do the exact same procedure and get the exact same results.
Shows confirmations of ideas and theories.

19. KNOWLEDGE CHECK What do the terms replication and repetition mean?
Why are replication and repetition of experiments important?

20. KNOWLEDGE CHECK
What do the terms replication and repetition mean? Replication – Shows reliability and validity; Repetition – other scientists can perform your experiment and receive the same results.
Why are replication and repetition of experiments important? They both verify the credibility and validity of the experiment.

21. NO Experimentation needed!

22. ASKING QUESTIONS
All scientists begin their journeys by asking questions.
How scientists get answers to their questions may vary.
Not all scientists will need to perform an experiment to find answers.
Some other ways to answer questions are:
Research
Observations
Creating models

23. ASKING QUESTIONS RESEARCH OBSERVATIONS
If a scientist has a question, he/she may turned to books, magazines, encyclopedias, or the computer.
A scientist may rely on a peer, and ask a fellow scientist for information.
Make sure though your information comes from a reliable source.
Sometimes looking around you and keeping a log can help answer questions you may have.
You need to be subjective when utilizing observations.
Sometimes people only see what they want to.

24. ASKING QUESTIONS MODELS EXAMPLES
To help demonstrate a problem or a way to solve it, models can be built.
Models can help see things that are too small or big, or they can help answer questions from the past or predicting the future.
Research: How the universe was formed
Observations: Observing how sunlight affects plant growth
Models: Creating a model of the solar system

25. KNOWLEDGE CHECK
List 3 ways, other than scientific method, that scientists can use in order to solve problems. Give an example for each.

26. KNOWLEDGE CHECK
List 3 ways, other than scientific method, that scientists can use in order to solve problems. Give an example for each. Research - looking how stars form; Observation - What color flower bees prefer; Models – build an atom

27. WHAT DO THEY DO?

28. SCIENTISTS Scientists use many different tools to study their field.
Microscopes
Telescopes
Computers
People
Animals
Scientists do not have to be people wearing white lab coats, mixing chemicals.
Scientists come in every shape and size and can work in many different locations.

29. TYPES of SCIENTISTS
Geologist: Studies rocks and minerals and spend a lot of time outdoors collecting samples.
Zoologist: Studies the lives of animals. Most work is observation in an animals natural habitat or type of zoo.
Mechanics: Fix machines from cars to space shuttles. They diagnose problems and help improve performance.
Oceanographers: Studies oceans and its contents. From waves to animals, most of these scientist spend time out on the open waters.

30. KNOWLEDGE CHECK What does a scientist look like?
List 4 careers that use or contribute to science.

31. KNOWLEDGE CHECK
What does a scientist look like? A scientist can be anyone even you!
List 4 careers that use or contribute to science. Astronomer – studies space; Marine biologist – studies marine life; Engineer – creates tools we use for science today.