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Scientific Method:

Scientific Method:. Science is ultimately based on observation (perceiving objects or events using one of the five senses) Observations often lead to questions ---> which lead to experiments to answer the questions.

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Scientific Method:

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  1. Scientific Method: Science is ultimately based on observation (perceiving objects or events using one of the five senses) Observations often lead to questions ---> which lead to experiments to answer the questions. The common steps that biologists and other scientists use to gather information and answer questions

  2. Scientific Method • 1st -usually begins with scientists identifying a problem to solve by observing the world around them • 2nd- Gathering currently known information • 3rd- formulating a hypothesis: an explanation for a question or a problem that can be formally tested-and should be written as an If, then………. statement • A hypothesis is not a random guess. • A hypothesis can never be proven only shown to be valid; however it can be proven false.

  3. Scientific Method • 3rd- design a controlled experiment to test the hypothesis What is a controlled experiment? • In a controlled experiment, only one condition is changed at a time. • All variables are kept constant except the one you are testing Setting up a test in duplicate- involves two groups: the control group and the experimental group

  4. What is a controlled experiment? • The control is the group in which all conditions are kept the same. The control is a “reference point” for comparison • The experimental group is the test group, in which all conditions are kept the same except for the single condition being tested.

  5. Designing an experiment • In a controlled experiment, only one condition is changed at a time. • The condition in an experiment that is changed is the independent variable ~controlled by the experimenter

  6. Designing an experiment • While changing the independent variable, the scientist observes or measures a second condition that results from the change • This condition is the dependent variable, because any changes in it depend on changes made to the independent variable

  7. Designing an experiment • Formulate a PROCEDURE • Identify your variables, constants and control • Determine your sample size (large enough) • Collect data • A scientist carefully collects and organizes data from the experiment. Data should always be presented in a neat fashion, usually tables or graphs.

  8. Designing an experiment • Conclusion: 3-5 sentences Based on the data, a scientist then determines whether the hypothesis was supported or refuted. Using test results explain why or why not your hypothesis is valid or invalid. Also bring into your conclusion any errors that occurred that may have affected your outcomes or any changes you would make in your procedure should you repeat the experiment. ALWAYS restate data.

  9. Theory • Theory is an explanation for natural events that is based on a large number of observations. Law - Proven “beyond a shadow of doubt” holds true everywhere its tested.

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