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Science is…. a method that humans use to organize and explain the natural world. “Kinds” of Science. Pure Science – -the study of science alone – not including its relations to other subjects Applied Science – -applying scientific knowledge to practical problems Example:
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Science is… a method that humans use to organize and explain the natural world
“Kinds” of Science Pure Science – -the study of science alone – not including its relations to other subjects Applied Science – -applying scientific knowledge to practical problems Example: Pure Science- studying the human eye and vision Applied Science- (technology), designing glasses or lenses
Science is… The study of both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the world: Quantitative = quantities (how much) Qualitative = descriptives (like color, texture, etc…)
Science… Tries to answer the questions of what, where, how, why and when using the Scientific Method
Scientific Method • Is a blend of creative and critical thinking processes with problem solving techniques • Procedure that scientists use to carry out research
1st Step of the Scientific MethodMake observation • Observations lead to the formulation of a question or a problem that needs solving • Observations can be quantitative and qualitative • Recognize any patterns, may collect data and organize it • Leads to the formulation of a question or a problem that needs solving. • Make sure there is only one problem being studied
Research the Problem • Look up everything you can on your topic • Visit your library or go on the internet • Conduct personal interviews • Search for references (magazines, journals, books, newspapers articles) that have been written about the topic you are interested in
2nd Step of the Scientific MethodForm a hypothesis • An educated guess • Formulate reasonable explaination for these observations • What do you think might happen? • A hypothesis must be a testable statement upon which the experiements are based
3rd Step of the Scientific Method Experimentation • Experiment = a systematic test of variables • Designed and conducted to test the hypothetical answers • Be sure to include a control trial to provide a basis for comparison • Control is the trial in which the condition being tested is omitted
Experimentation • Will also have the variables which you will be collecting data on and observing • Variables = conditions that you change between the various trials in your experiment
Experimentation • Develop and conduct a controlled experiment • Test one variable at a time • Qualitative vs. quantitative data • Quantitative - Collection of numerical data • Ex. Collecting height and weight data of all students in this class • Qualitative - Descriptive • Use of observational data or written descriptions of what scientists observe • Useful when qualitative data collection is not appropriate • Ex. Study of how gorillas behave
A. Control setup Setup in which all conditions are kept the same B. Experimental setup Setup in which all conditions are kept the same except for the one being tested C. Independent variable The condition (variable) being changed by you D. Dependent variable The condition (variable) being observed or measured in the experiment Components of a Controlled Experiment
Experimentation Conduct the experiments • Keep notes, records of all observations • May be short time frame or may take a long period of time depending on what you are trying to prove. • The experiments will provide the data that will be analyzed to determine if your hypothesis is valid
Data • Data will be collected • Data will be organized in tables or charts and graphs • Evaluate the data to see if the hypothesis is valid
For an experiment to be valid: • Must be set up so they are not biased toward any one answer • Must be repeated so that all experiements lead to the same results.
Hypothesis not correct • Sometimes experiments disprove the hypothesis • Scientists might either reject original hypothesis and formulate a new one OR • Revise the original hypothesis • Process is repeated until hypothesis is proven, then results are expressed as a conclusion
4th Step of the Scientific MethodFormulate a conclusion • Summary of the results of the experiment. • This may or may not support the hypothesis • In the research world of science the conclusion may be presented as a Theory or Law depending upon the type of results collected.
Theory • Tested model that explains a natural phenomenon • However it cannot be proven absolutely correct! • It is the best explanation based on experimental evidence • May change w/advances in science • Examples: Theory of Evolution, Big Bang Theory
Law • Expression of a consistent pattern in nature. • Something that always occurs under a certain set of conditions • Sometimes are developed from theories. • May also change depending on advances in science • Examples: Law of Conservation of Energy, Law of Conservation of Matter, Law of Gravity
An example of the scientific method: Let's say I have a problem: My car won't start. How would I use the scientific method to solve this problem? • Purpose: I want my car to start • Hypothesis: If I put gas in my car, it will start. • Materials: 5 gallon gas can, 5 gallons gasoline, money to buy gasoline, a ride to the gas station • Procedure: First, I will call my friend Bill and ask for a ride to the gas station. I will take the five gallon gas can and fill it with five gallons of gasoline at the pump. After paying the gas station owner for the gasoline, I will get a ride back to my car and put the gasoline in the tank. Once the gasoline is in the tank, I will attempt to restart the car. • Results: The car started on the first try. • Conclusion: When I put gas in my car, it started.
Observation - you see something (say an ant on a kitchen table) Question - (you ask, "Why is it there")Hypothesis - you propose a reason (he's searching for food)Experiment - you put food where he can reach it What could be the results and conclusion?
Observation: In many parts of Europe, medieval farmers stored grain in barns with thatched roofs (like Shakespeare’s house). As a roof aged, it was not uncommon for it to start leaking. This could lead to spoiled or moldy grain, and of course there were lots of mice around. Hypothesis: Mice came from the moldy grain. It was obvious to them that the mice came from the moldy grain …
Make observations Look for patterns Collect preliminary Data Propose an Hypothesis Gather and organize Data Analyze the data Design an Experiment Proves hypothesis valid Proves hypothesis invalid Revise hypothesis State a Conclusion Law Theory
Research Project • Implement Scientific Method • Collaborate with 1 or 2 lab partners • Everyone will work together to compete the experiment – HOWEVER everyone will do their own research and submit their own report.
Each lab group will be assigned a problem and the variable to be tested • Each lab group will build planters, set them up and care for them while the plants grow • Each individual is responsible for working with lab partners to collect and record all qualitative and quantitative data.
Saturate wick with water and then thread wick through the hole in the cap Fill top half with soil Fill bottom half with distilled water Plant seeds Lightly cover w/saran wrap Don’t forget to record what you are doing!!
What are the experiments that you might do? • Water Pollution (of soap) • Gravitropism • Phototropism • Salt Pollution • Nitrogen • Acidity ALL of the problem has been designed for you and the variables identified.
All planters will be kept on the plant cart in the lab. • The lights will be on 24-7 • Please use care when handling your planters. • Try not to disturb the neighboring planters.
Potential Problems: • Planters may dry out • Planters may tip over • Solutions were made up incorrectly
Plant Project Assignment • Plant Project Homework page Submit the following for review: purpose hypothesis variable control Background Copies of resources you use (no fewer than 3) Remember to cite your resources (we will go over how to do this)
