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Steps to Solving a Problem using the Scientific Method

Learn about the Scientific Method, including the steps to solve a problem, the different types of observations and data, and the importance of variables and experiments.

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Steps to Solving a Problem using the Scientific Method

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  1. Scientific Method

  2. What do you remember about the Scientific Method?

  3. Steps to Solving a Problem(The Scientific Method) • Identify the Problem • Collect Information/Research • Form a Hypothesis

  4. Steps to Solving a Problem(The Scientific Method) • Test Your Hypothesis – “Experiment” • Accept or Reject Your Hypothesis – “Analysis” • Report Your Results – “Conclusion”

  5. Observations • data that are descriptions of qualities • shape, color, taste, feel, etc… • acquired by using your senses • Two Types: • Objective observation • Subjective observation

  6. Objective an observation based on fact Subjective an observation based on opinion 2 Types of Observations

  7. Objective or Subjective? • Science looks like fun today! Subjective • Kanye West’s songs sound good! Subjective • The counter-tops in class are black! Objective • School French fries taste good! Subjective • The summer was too short! Subjective • There are sixty seconds in a minute! Objective

  8. Objective or Subjective? • Which type of observations should be used in science? Objective observations should be used in science because they are based on facts and the basis of science is to identify the facts!

  9. Inference • an explanation that tries to make sense of your observations • influenced by your experiences/prior knowledge • these explanations may not be true Example Observation: John was breathing heavily as he walked into the classroom. Possible Inferences: • He ran to class because he was going to be late • He just played basketball in gym

  10. What would you infer? • Everyone is closing their book because… • Many students buy French fries because… • Students arrived to class sweaty because… 4. All of the students are laughing because…

  11. Hypothesis • A prediction statement • an “educated guess” • can be written in the form of an “If..., then...” statement • A good hypothesis must be: • Testable • Measurable • Observable

  12. Hypothesis • not necessarily proven correct just because data/results from one experiment support it • when repeatedly supported by the same results: hypothesis theory law

  13. Hypothesis • Theory: An explanation for observations. We can use a theory to make predictions. • Law: Observation/fact with no explanation.

  14. Data • factual information • Two Types 1. Quantitative 2. Qualitative

  15. Quantitative data consisting of numbers Example Heart rate (80 beats/minute) Qualitative data consisting of verbal descriptions or information gathered using scales without numbers Examples Verbal description of heart rate (fast or slow) 2 Types of Data

  16. Repeated Trials • experimental tests done more than once • More accurate results • Less chance of error Examples In the heart rates lab each participant recorded their heart rates after performing various activities. Each participant’s data (for resting, walking, and running) represents a trial. If five total individuals performed the activities and gathered data, then there were a total of five trials.

  17. Variables • any factor that can change • Two Types 1. Independent 2. Dependent

  18. Independent variables that are purposely changed or manipulated in an experiment the factor that you wish to test usually expressed after the word “if” in the hypothesis could be thought of as the “cause” in a cause and effect relationship Example The activity level (resting, walking, running) Dependent variables that may change as a result of the independent variable the factor you measure to gather results usually expressed after the word “then”in the hypothesis could be thought of as the “effect” in a cause and effect relationship Example The person’s heart rate Two Types of Variables

  19. Identify the Variables independent variable • If a student chooses to not study, then he will earn a poor grade. • If you drink Gatorade before a soccer game, then you will score more goals. • If you increase the mechanical advantage of a pulley system used to move an object, then the input force becomes less. dependent variable independent variable dependent variable independent variable dependent variable

  20. Test hypothesis with an experiment Experimental group = group with the change (independent variable) In a controlled experiment, one factor is changed to observe the effect on another factor (all other factors are kept the same)

  21. Control/Control Group • a group of subjects in an experiment that are not given any special treatment • It is the same as the experimental group in every possible way, except for the factor being tested Example Scientists are testing a new drug used to manage blood pressure. Members of the experimental drug will receive the drug being tested, while members of the control group receive a placebo.

  22. Constants • Factors in an experiment (both in the experimental and control groups) that are kept the same and not allowed to change Examples • One minute was consistently the amount of time allotted to perform the necessary activity • The type of activity performed • The stopwatch used during data collection • The method used to measure the heart rate

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