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Scientific Method: Steps, Variables, and Analysis

Learn the steps of the scientific method, how to identify experimental variables, and how to analyze data in this introduction to biology lesson.

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Scientific Method: Steps, Variables, and Analysis

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  1. Bellwork: 8/15 Take out your Unit Book! Week 8/13-8/187 What is the scientific method? Do you know any steps to the scientific method? If yes, list as many as you remember. If no, what steps do you think are part of the scientific method?

  2. Objective • Students will learn about the scientific method & learn how to identify experimental variables

  3. Today: • Finish Lab • Part II Notes • Variable Practice • Lab Safety

  4. Materials • Unit Book

  5. Homework • None  • Late Credit: binder, google classroom & syllabus signature

  6. Finish Lab

  7. Unit I: Intro to Biology

  8. Part II: Scientific Method

  9. Scientific Method • Scientific Method: step by step method for testing a scientific hypothesis • Steps: • Make an observation • Form a research question • Form a hypothesis • Conduct an experiment • Analyze data & draw a conclusion

  10. Step 1: Making an Observation

  11. Importance of Making Observations • Scientists try to understand the natural world around them • They use PHYSICAL evidence that they discover through OBSERVATIONS

  12. Step 2: Form a Research Question

  13. Rules for Writing Research ?’s • State research questions in question form • Start with phrases like: • “To what extent…” does _______ affect _______. • “What evidence indicates…” that _______ affects _______. • Avoid questions that can be answered with yes or no • BE SPECIFIC! • Questions MUST be able to be answered through experimentation with PHYSICAL evidence

  14. Are These Good Scientific Questions? • What is the meaning of life? • What is the best sunscreen? • What sunscreen has the highest SPF? • How does the SPF value of sunscreen affect skin cancer rates?

  15. Step 3: Form a Hypothesis

  16. Hypothesizing • Hypothesis: a prediction that forecasts what the effect of something might be • Expresses a logical explanation that can be tested

  17. Steps for Writing a Good Hypothesis • Your prediction of the outcome of an experiment and WHY • Ex: Harambe will run a mile in 1 hour because… • Ex: The longer the hamster’s legs are, the faster it can run because…

  18. Step 4: Conduct an Experiment

  19. Identifying & Manipulating Variables • Variables: Factors, conditions, and/or relationships that can change or be changed in an event • WHAT WE ARE MEASURING!!

  20. Three Kinds of Variables: • Independent variable: changed on purpose by the investigator in an experiment • THE VARIABLE THAT IS MANIPULATED

  21. Three Kinds of Variables 2. Dependent Variable:changes because the independent variable changed • Responds because of the change 3. Control Variable:a variable that is not changed

  22. Variable Practice • How do the different plant fertilizers affect the succulent growth? Independent: Dependent: Control:

  23. Types of Experiments • Type 1 – Single Variable • SIMPLE • Ex: “How long will it take for Harambe to run a mile?” • Type 2 – Multi-Variable • MORE COMPLEX • Ex: “How does the length of hamsters’ legs affect their running speed?” • (What affect will variable 1 have on variable 2)

  24. Step 5: Analyze Data & Draw Conclusions

  25. Analyzing Data • Science is based on empiricism – a search for knowledge based on experimentation and observation • Two types of observations • Quantitative: (quantity) measurements, data, NUMBERS! • Qualitative: (quality) describes, WORDS!

  26. Qualitative vs. Quantitative • Qualitative – WORDS, DESCRIPTIONS, OBSERVATIONS • Quantitative – NUMBERS, DATA, MEASUREMENTS • Examples: • Qualitative: • Quantitative:

  27. Creating a Scientific Model • Model – a tool scientists use to help them understand observations and make better inferences • Can you see any scientific models in this room?

  28. Draw Conclusions • Look @ the qualitative & quantitative data • Determine if your data supports or rejects your hypothesis • RETEST!!!

  29. Next Week… • Quiz on Monday!! (Characteristics of Life, Scientific Method & Pseudoscience) • You will use the scientific method to design your own experiment – hatching Brine Shrimp!

  30. Simpsons Variable Practice

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