The Scientific Method

1. The Scientific Method

2. HAVE YOU EVER EXPERIENCED THESE….6 Phases of a Project? • Enthusiasm • Disillusionment • Panic • Search for the Guilty • Punishment of the Innocent • Praise and Honors for the Non-Participants

3. If you have experienced the 6 Phases of a Project… The Scientific Method can come to your rescue!!!!!!!!!

4. Learning Objectives • TLW plan and implement investigative procedures including asking questions, formulating testable hypotheses, and selecting equipment and technology • TLW collect data and make measurements with precision • TLW organize, analyze, evaluate, make inferences, and predict trends data • TLW communicate valid conclusion • TLW analyze, review, and critique scientific explanations, including hypotheses, and theories, as to their strengths and weaknesses using scientific evidence and information • Chemistry TEKS 2.A., 2B, 2.C, 2.D, 2.E, 2.H, 2.I,3A. • Principles of Technology TEKS 3.A., 3.B, 3.C

5. AGENDA • What is Science? • Brief Overview of the Types of Science • The Scientific Method • Demonstrations, Comparisons, & Experiments • As Described Through Myth Busters & the Lesson of the Fishing Lure • The Paper and the Penny Experiment • Products of the Scientific Method • Review - Scientific Method Vocabulary, Process, and Parts of Experiments • Lab – Blowing Up a Balloon without Air

6. I. What is Science A. A process to answer questions B. You use science everyday C. It is an ever present part of life

7. II. Types of Sciences A. Physics Study of forces and energy B. Chemistry Study of matter and its changes

8. C. Biology Study of living things D. Earth Science Study of the earth; geology, meteorology, astronomy, etc

9. MythBusters • The MythBusters guys comment on the scientific method Link to http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/mythbusters-science-vs-scientific-method.html

10. III. The Scientific Method A. Steps to follow to solve or understand problems B. The Steps 1. Problem – observe a problem or something interesting * Formulate a question – • ask “how” or “why” • must be specific Ex. Why does the silver lure catch more fish?

11. 2. Research: find out as much information; Answer pre-lab questions 3. Form a hypothesis – predict an answer to the problem *must be in, “IF…, then…” format (Ex. If the silver lure is used, then more fish will be caught) *Hypothesis must be testable

12. Observations, Questions and Hypotheses

13. Observations, Questions and Hypotheses – You Try It

14. Ways of Discovery • Demonstrations – simpler scientific method used to show or confirm facts • For example: determine the density of a block of wood • Comparisons – scientific method to evaluate samples for likenesses and differences • For example: determine which is more dense a block of cypress, oak, or teak wood • Experiments – more rigorous test. See next slide

15. 4. Experiment - Test the hypothesis a. Experiments should be conducted at least 3 times for repeatable, better data

16. b. Parts to the experiment: 1) control – part of the experiment that has no variables (Ex. Use a lure with no color to catch fish) 2) independent variable - the factor that you can change Ex. change the color of the lure - CHANGE ONE Variable at a time

17. 3) dependent variable – what you can measure Ex. The number of fish caught 4) Ex. of experiment parts: If oil is added to a door hinge, then the door will not squeak. control – not adding oil independent variable – oil dependent variable – the squeak

18. REMEMBER…… • Change onlyone independent variable at a time • Otherwise…. You won’t know which one impacted the dependent variable • (Ex. Changing the color of the lure and the type of string)

19. Use the information in the table to answer the questions: 1. What is the independent variable? Answer: gibberellin 2. What is the dependent variable? Answer:height/growth 3. Which group is the control group? Answer: Group1-no gibberellin added

20. 5. Data and analysis: Observe and collect data from the experiment. • Analyze the data and organize it using tables, charts, graphs

21. 6. Form a conclusion – • Determine an answer from data analysis Ex. - The silver lure caught the most fish • Maybe find a newproblem -- Which lure caught the biggest fish? • Answer post-lab questions • May include written and/or oral reports THERE IS NEVER AN EXPERIMENT THAT FAILS

22. Problem A predicted solution to a problem that is testable c Experiment/ Procedure

23. IV. Products of Scientific Method A. Theory 1. A logical explanation of events that happen in nature 2. A theory has been tested 3. A theory is a possible explanation 4. A theory is not 100%

24. B. A law 1. A theory that has been tested many times and is accepted as true 2. a summaryof an observed natural event 3. Not necessarily 100%, accepted - but never proven wrong

25. Review What We’ve Learned • Independent Practice • Science Word Search • Planning Investigations Worksheet

26. Lab • Together the class will review the steps to the lab • Discuss potential hazards, precautions, and PPE • Divide into Periodic Groups and work in teams to complete experiment • Complete lab guide • Turn in completed lab guides by teams • Discuss findings