1. Scientific Investigation Chapter 1- Notes 7t h Grade

2. Life Science Study of living things and how they interact  Ecosystems  Cells  Behavior of organisms  Genetics (Lets lists some studies w/in Life Science) Earth Science Study of Earth systems and the systems in space.  Climate/ atmosphere  Rocks & Minerals  Motion of Space objects Physical Science Study of matter and energy  Properties of Matter  Atoms/Molecule s  Mixtures/Compo unds  Newton’s Laws  Transfer of Energy

3. The Scientific Method The Scientific Method is a series of steps to follow to answer a question or solve a problem - There are 6 main steps 1.Ask a question, recognize a problem, or make an observation and inference 2.Form a hypothesis 3.Create and conduct an experiment 4.Observe and record data 5.Analyze and draw conclusions 6.Communicate the results

4. Step 1: Ask a Question or Make an Observation Observation- a record or description of an occurrence or pattern in nature. Infer- Draw conclusions based on your observations Tell me what you think!!!

5. Observations can be either…. Qualitative Refers to qualities or physical characteristics. Quantitative Refers to a numerical value MOST RELIABLE & REPEATABLE

6. Step 2: Form a Hypothesis Hypothesis: an educated guess or prediction; an “if, then” statement If ____ independent variable ______ then__ dependent variable _______

7. Example: Independent Variable: I feed my cat a lot of food Dependent Variable she will get fat If ___________________________ then _________________________

8. Variable- Factor that can change in an experiment Independent Variable- Variable that changes in an experiment by the person conducting the experiment. – Remember Think “I: Change the Independent variable. – Dependent Variable- Variable that changes in an experiment because of the independent variable – Remember it “depends” on the independent variable – It is what is being tested

9. Variables continued Constant- a variable that does not change in an experiment Control- variable that does not change and is used for comparison.

10. Remember Try to use INCREASE and DECREASE in your hypothesis! Ex. IF I increase the amount of food I give my cat, THEN she will increase her weight

11. Now Try it on Your Own! ‘Writing a Good Hypothesis” Just ‘plug and chug’ in your variables!

12. Step 3: Experiment Set up an experiment to test your question  For your experiment to be considered reliable it must be REPEATABLE!!

13. Step 4: Observe and Record Data Look at what is happening in your experiment and record your findings. – Make graphs and/or charts Pie Graph- show percentages Bar graph- compares quantitative data Line Graph- shows changes over time

14. Step 5: Analyze Your Results & Draw Conclusions Look at your results and decide what they tell you about your question CRITICAL THINKING- the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue Decide what the answer to your question is and be sure to include… – Was your hypothesis correct or incorrect – If you should repeat the experiment again to find out more..

15. Step 6: Communicate the Results - Write and present your conclusion and findings - May have to answer question in a post-lab assessment regarding your findings.