1.3 Thinking like A Scientist

1. 1.3 Thinking like A Scientist

2. Alchemy • The word chemistry comes from alchemy • Alchemists developed the tools and techniques for working with chemicals • They designed beakers, flasks, tongs, funnels, and the mortar and pestle.

3. An Experimental Approach to Science • In the 1500s, a shift started from alchemy to science • King Charles II encouraged scientists to use more experimental evidence, and not philosophical debates

4. Lavoisier • In France, Antoine- Laurent Lavoisier did work in the late 1700s. • Lavoisier helped transform chemistry from a science of observation to the science of measurement that it is today. • He settled a long-standing debate about burning, which was that fire needed oxygen.

5. Scientific Method • Organized plan for gathering, organizing, and communicating information • Steps to scientific method • Ask a question from an observation • Form a hypothesis of why the observation occurs • Test your hypothesis • Drawing conclusions • Developing a theory

6. Asking a Question • Questions are asked from an original observation. • An observation is information you obtain through your senses • Repeatable observations are known as facts • Example: What will hit the ball farther a wooden bat or a metal bat?

7. Forming a Hypothesis • A hypothesis is a proposed answer to a question • Your hypothesis MUST be useful and testable. • Example: If I hit the baseball with a wooden bat instead of a metal bat, then the ball will go farther

8. Create and Conduct an Experiment • Experiments are used to test your hypothesis. • Any factor in an experiment that can change is called a variable

9. Variables • Manipulated variable: variable that the scientist will change • Responding variable: variable that is observed during the experiment

10. Drawing Conclusions • You can draw a conclusion by looking at the data collected. • The metal bat hit further than a wooden bat • Was our hypothesis supported? • If data is not supported a new experiment would need to be designed.

11. Developing a Theory • A theory is a well-tested explanation for a set of observations or experimental results. • Theories are never proven but can become stronger if the facts continue to support them • If an existing theory fails to explain new facts and discoveries, the theory may be revised or a new theory can replace it.

12. Scientific Laws • Statement that summarizes a pattern found in nature without attempting to explain it • Gas Laws

13. Collaboration • When scientists collaborate and communicate, they increase the likelihood of a successful outcome • No one person could have all the knowledge, skills, or resources to solve a problem • Scientists with different disciplines may have to come together

14. Communication • Communication is important to share the latest work