Introduction to Science

1. Introduction to Science Lesson 4: Variables and Technological Design

2. Bell Work • What are the branches of Earth Science? • What are the steps to the Scientific Method?

3. Today’s Agenda • Bell Work • Notes on Types of Data and Technological Design • Finish any missing assignments

4. Weekly Agenda • Tuesday • Notes on Types of Data and Technological Design • Wednesday • Quiz on the Scientific Method • Finish Lab/Pretest/Science Stems • Thursday • Notes on Lab Equipment and Microscopes • Friday • Lab using lab equipment (depending on behavior)

5. Types of Data • Measuring • Involves quantitative data that can be measured in numbers • Qualitative data information that isn’t numbers • Color, taste, texture etc

6. Variable Identification • The Independent Variable – is what is being tested • Example: fertilizer would be the independent variable in an experiment with plants • The Dependent Variable – what is measured from the application of the independent variable • Example: height of the plant with fertilizer is applied to the plant • The Experimental Group – the group that is getting the treatment • The Control Group – receives no treatment • The Constants – these are given to each group in the same amount

7. Graphing in Scientific Investigations • Data should be organized in charts which lists the values of the independent variable in the first column and the value of the dependent variable in the second column. Bar Graph Circle Graph Line Graph

9. Technological Design Process • Technological design is an important part of engineering, the field that applies scientific knowledge to practical problems. • There are 4 main steps in the technological design process.

10. 4 Main Steps • Identify the problem. • Propose a solution (design, process, or product) • Implement the solution • Evaluate the solution

11. Step 1: Identify the Problem • The first step in the technological design process is to identify the problem. • Often, engineers or inventors try to solve problems in their own livesor work.

12. Step 2: Propose a Solution • Once the problem has been identified, a solutionhas to be proposed. • In order to do this, drawingsor modelsmay be created. • Also, any materialsand costshave to be identified and the timehas to be identified. • A list of potential risksand benefitsalso is made.

13. Step 3: Implement the Solution • Once a design plan has been studied and accepted, a design team must carry out the plan. • This stage of development is known as implementation. • This is a step-by-step strategy to solve the problem.

14. Step 4: Evaluate the Solution • A completed design must be evaluatedto decide if it meets the original goals.

15. Before you are finished… • The results of technological design often improve people’s lives. • Each new development offers both benefitsand risks. • Benefits are how the technology meets people’s needs. • The risks include ways the technology might harm humans or the environment. • This is called risk-benefitanalysis.

16. Technological Design Process vs. Scientific Investigation

17. Exit Slip • What are the differences between Scientific investigation and Technological Designs?