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Explore the scientific method, a systematic approach to understanding cause and effect in the natural world. Learn the steps of observation, questioning, research, hypothesis formation, experimentation, and conclusion. Discover how variables, experimental setups, data collection, and analysis contribute to scientific understanding.
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Scientific Method • A way to understand CAUSE AND EFFECT in the natural world
Scientific Method Step 1: OBSERVE Step 2: ASK A QUESTION Step 3: RESEARCH Step 4: MAKE A HYPOTHESIS Step 5: TEST HYPOTHESIS Step 6: CONCLUSION
Scientific Method: Step 1 - Observation • Based on your 5 SENSES • Seeing • Hearing • Smelling • Touching • Tasting
Scientific Method: Step 2 -Ask a Question • Question must be ‘testable’ using a simple, direct experiment
Scientific Method: Step 3 – Research • Look up everything that is already known. Read papers published in journals/books /scientific literature
Scientific Method: Step 4 : Hypothesis = Educated Guess • If dependent variable - is related to independent variable, • Then - predict how dependent variable will respond • When - independent variable is changed by you • ‘If-then-when statement’
Scientific Method: Step 4 : Hypothesis = Educated Guess • Background: Red Bull ads claim to increase concentration • Ques: Can Drinking Red Bull before a test improve performance ? • Identify variables (anything that changes) • Number of red bull drinks and performance on test • Independent variable and dependent variable
Scientific Method: Step 4 : Hypothesis = Educated Guess • -If performance on test is related to consumption of red bull energy drink, • -Then average test score of students in AP Biology class will increase • -When red bull drink is consumed 15 minutes before the test • - ‘If-then-when hypothesis statement’ • If dependent variable - is related to independent variable, • Then - predict how dependent variable will respond • When - independent variable is changed by you
Scientific Method: Step 5a– Planning the Experiment Experimental Design : A. Variables (3 types) B. Control Group/Setup C. Experimental Group/Setup
Scientific Method: Step 5a – Planning the Experiment Experimental Design : A.Variables – anything that can change in an experiment • Independent Variable: anything that you change/manipulate in an experiment (number ofred bull drinks) • Dependent Variable: anything that you measure as the ‘response’ to the change you made (average test score) • Controlled Variables: anything that you would keep the same in all experimental setups • such as time when drink was consumed, other types of stimulants the student has, test environment….
Scientific Method: Step 5a – Planning the Experiment Control group/setup: does not have the independent variable Group without red bull Experimental setup: has the independent variable Group with red bull
Scientific Method: Step 5b –Data Collection + Analysis TABLES GRAPHS
Scientific Method: Step 6 – Conclusion Did your results support hypothesis? • why or why not? • interpretation of your data • did you run many trials? • what was your sample size? • sources of errors • changes you would make