1. Investigation and Experimentation
Scientific Thinking and Processes

2. Standards: IEd. Formulate explanations by using logic and evidence.
IEg.Recognize the usefulness and limitations of models and theories as scientific representations of reality.
IEk.Recognize the cumulative nature of scientific evidence.
IEf.Distinguish between hypothesis and theory as scientific terms.

3. Objectives:
SWBAT…
identify the different elements of scientific inquiry.
differentiate between a hypothesis and theory.
recognize the usefulness and limitations of models and theories as scientific representations of reality.
collect and analyze multiple sources of data/scientific evidence.

4. (Review)How are graphs used in Science?
Visually shows the relationship between two variables
Independent variable (x-axis)-causes a change in the dependent variable
Dependent variable-measureable outcome (y-axis)
Graphs are used to display and analyze data from experiments and observations

5. (Review)-Data Analysis in Science
Data is collected.
The data is displayed in graphs.
The data is analyzed (ie patterns, trends, and insights).
Scientific Thinking-Evaluation of results and hypotheses

6. What is scientific thinking?
Scientific Thinking=Thinking like a scientist
Scientific thinking is a process of inquiry.
Inquiry means investigation.

7. The Scientific Thinking Cycle

8. Figure 1.24 A campground example of hypothesis-based inquiry
Observations
Question
Hypothesis #1:
Dead batteries
Hypothesis #2:
Burnt-out bulb
Prediction:
Replacing batteries
will fix problem
Prediction:
Replacing bulb
will fix problem
Figure 1.24 A campground example of hypothesis-based inquiry
Test prediction
Test prediction
Test falsifies hypothesis
Test does not falsify hypothesis

9. Scientific thinking begins with observations.
Observations-collecting information on a topic. (data)
Qualitative-“Quality” (smell, sounds, descriptions)
Quantitative-numbers (mass, volume, temp.)

10. Observations and data are used to form a hypothesis.
Observations can lead us to ask questions and propose explanations called hypotheses.
A hypothesis leads to a testable prediction.
This leads to an experiment.

11. How are experiments designed?
Independent variable-the condition that is manipulated or changed.
Dependent variable-measurable outcome caused by changes in the IV.
Constants-conditions that don’t change during an experiment.

12. How are theories incorporated into Scientific Thinking?
Broader than a hypothesis
General, and can lead to new testable hypotheses
Supported by a large body of evidence in comparison to a hypothesis
Copyright © 2008 Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Pearson Benjamin Cummings

13. Summary Questions How does scientific thinking usually begin?
How do scientists form hypotheses?
What are observations?
What is the relationship between an independent and dependent variable?
How are the terms hypothesis and theory different?