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Developing a Scientific P lan (aka: The Scientific Method)

Developing a Scientific P lan (aka: The Scientific Method). Observe an unexplained phenomenon Form a Hypothesis Design Experiments Draw a Conclusion Report the Results. Observation. An Observation is Gathered through your senses S omething that you notice in the natural world.

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Developing a Scientific P lan (aka: The Scientific Method)

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  1. Developing a Scientific Plan(aka: The Scientific Method) • Observe an unexplained phenomenon • Form a Hypothesis • Design Experiments • Draw a Conclusion • Report the Results

  2. Observation • An Observation is Gathered through your senses • Something that you notice in the natural world I see a red bird in my backyard.

  3. Hypothesis • A testable explanation of the observation • A suggested solution to the problem • Statement • Sometimes it is an “If…then…” If I see a red bird in my backyard, then it must be a cardinal.

  4. Design an Experiment • A procedure to test the hypothesis. • Collect and record the Data • Must be reproducible • Watch the birds in my backyard everyday from 8am to 10 am • Write down distinguishing characteristics of red birds

  5. Draw a Conclusion • Compare actual results to expected results • Prior knowledge • Reference Materials • Everyday I saw a red bird with a crest and a black mask in the backyard • I did not see any other red birds • My observations matched the pictures of a cardinal in the field guide • The red bird is a cardinal

  6. Report the Results • Other scientists can use the results • Moves scientific discovery forward • Results can be used to form a new observation and a new hypothesis I will report my observations to the local ornithology club

  7. How does salt and acid effect how fast an effervescent tablet will dissolve?

  8. ControlledExperiment • Control group • Experimental group or groups • Plain Water • Salt Water • Cold Water • Vinegar (Acid) Water

  9. The Control Group • The factor being tested is not applied to this group • Serves as a standard • Experimental group is compared to the control group • Plain Water

  10. Independent Variable • The one factor that will change in an experiment • The tested factor in an experiment • Controlled and manipulated by experimenter • Types of Water • Cold • Salt • Vinegar

  11. Dependent Variable • The factor measured in an experiment • The value “depends” on the independent variable • Observed or measured • Time

  12. Collect Data • Use appropriate tools to collect the data needed to support the hypothesis • Be as consistent as possible • Be as complete as possible

  13. Conclusion • Use the data collected to support a concluding statement • Ok if it does not turn out as expected

  14. Accurate Data gathered agrees with true value.

  15. Accurate Measurement Example

  16. Precise Repeated measurements show the same result.

  17. Precise Measurement Example

  18. How about this data?

  19. Which Student has the most precise data? Which Student has the most accurate data?

  20. What if I do not know what the actual value is? • Repeat the experiment several times • Another experimenter repeats the experiment several times • If the hypothesis is proven true time after time after time, then it becomes a THEORY • If the theory is proven time after time after time after time, then the theory becomes a LAW

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