1. Annie Benedict, 2015

2. Scientific Method – what is it? Dictionary.com: a method of research in which a problem is identified, relevant data are gathered, a hypothesis is formulated from these data, and the hypothesis is empirically tested. Annie Benedict, 2015

3. Scientific Method – what is it? In simple terms: Going through a step-by-step process to test a scientific hypothesis …and then you tell people about it afterwards! Annie Benedict, 2015

4. Ask a question A scientific question must be: Specific Concise Testable Annie Benedict, 2015

5. Ask a question “Where do birds like to live?” NOT SPECIFIC, so not testable “Do northern cardinals nest in the lower branches or upper tree canopy in Longfellow Park?” Annie Benedict, 2015

6. Ask a question Can magnets defy gravity? …nothing defies gravity…? Not testable Not specific Does the distance of a conductive metal (copper) surrounding a magnet affect the speed it falls? Annie Benedict, 2015

7. Do background research Stay focused! Detailed information is nice, but you want to research relevant topics Has anyone else studied your topic before? Ex: Mating calls of the eastern bluebird are nice to know, but not relevant Annie Benedict, 2015

8. Do background research Eddy currents are circular currents caused when a magnet reacts with a conductor Conductor: metals such as copper When a magnet reacts with a conductor, the magnetic field induces an eddy current within the conductor. The induced eddy current produces a magnetic field. This magnetic field opposes the one of the falling magnet, so the magnet slows down. If the opposing magnetic field is strong enough, the magnet will levitate within the tube. Similar experiments: http://www.sciencebuddies.org and www.coolmagnetman.com/magpipes.htm Annie Benedict, 2015

9. Construct a hypothesis What is a hypothesis? If ________, then __________ because _________. Prediction vs. hypothesis? Annie Benedict, 2015

10. Prediction vs. Hypothesis? Prediction: Male betta fish will react aggressively to other male betta fish. Hypothesis: If a male betta fish is placed into a tank with a second male betta fish, then both fish will react aggressively to each other because male betta fish compete for mates. Annie Benedict, 2015

11. Construct a hypothesis If a magnet is dropped down copper pipes of different diameters, then the magnet will fall slowest through the pipe with the smallest diameter because the walls of the pipe are closest to the magnet and so will produce a stronger magnetic field and a greater resistance. Annie Benedict, 2015

12. Design an experiment Tests the question, based upon the hypothesis Experimental design will be occurring throughout the prior 3 steps as well! (And may occur afterwards, too) Annie Benedict, 2015

13. Parts of an experiment Variables! Independent variable What you are changing – the cause Aka “manipulated variable” Ex: type of liquid fed to plant Dependent variable What happens because of the thing you change – the effect Aka “responding variable” Ex: plant growth Annie Benedict, 2015

14. Parts of an experiment Controlled variables Aka “constants” or “experimental constants” Things you keep the same Ex: type of plant, pot size, location in sun, volume of liquid added, etc Annie Benedict, 2015

15. Parts of an experiment Experimental groups Groups where everything is same EXCEPT the independent variable Ex: plant fed orange juice, plant fed Diet Coke, plant fed milk Control group The neutral group, to compare to the experimental groups The “norm” Ex: plant fed water Annie Benedict, 2015

16. Parts of an experiment Replicates/Trials Every test must have replicates! Why? To ensure scientific data is correct and accurate; not a fluke The higher the number of trials, the more reliable your results. Annie Benedict, 2015

18. Design an experiment Set up three 61 cm (2 ft) copper pipes of different diameters – 1.27 cm (½ in.), 1.91 cm (¾ in.), & 2.54 cm (1 in.). Set up three PVC pipes of the same diameters as the control. Drop a cylindrical neodymium magnet down the center of each pipe and record the time it takes to reach the bottom with a stopwatch. Conduct each experiment ten times. Annie Benedict, 2015

19. Design an experiment Annie Benedict, 2015

20. Subjective vs. objective data Objective – observations, objects. Uses measurements. Ex: 3 inch growth, 4 leaves wilted, 6 seconds to pass through pipe, nest 2 feet in diameter. Subjective – based on opinion. Ex: plant looked good, leaves looked nasty, short time, nest was big. NOT SCIENTIFIC! Annie Benedict, 2015

21. Test the experiment Data must be objective Also take visual observations as notes (can be subjective) Collect the objective data in a table Annie Benedict, 2015

22. What is a data table? Annie Benedict, 2015

23. Procedure working? If it doesn’t work – figure out what’s going wrong, then go back and retest If it’s working – can move on Annie Benedict, 2015

24. Analyze data What is analyzing? Examining the data to understand its patterns and why it happens Annie Benedict, 2015

25. Analyze data Scientists analyze data using graphs. Different graph types are used for different purposes. Annie Benedict, 2015

29. Draw conclusions Do your data support or not support your hypothesis? What does the analysis of your data tell you about your topic? Annie Benedict, 2015

30. Communicate Results Why do scientists communicate their results? Annie Benedict, 2015