Observation NotesObservation Notes

Cornell NotesCornell Notes

Essential Questions:Essential Questions:

1. How do scientists observe the world 1. How do scientists observe the world around them?around them?

2. How do scientists share their ideas with 2. How do scientists share their ideas with others?others?

vocabularyvocabulary

Control/constantControl/constant DataData Dependant/Dependant/

responding variableresponding variable HypothesisHypothesis Independent/Independent/

manipulated variablemanipulated variable InferInfer InterpretationInterpretation

LawLaw ModelModel Qualitative observationQualitative observation Quantitative Quantitative

observationobservation Scientific methodScientific method Theory Theory VariableVariable

Qualitative – descriptions (Mary has red Qualitative – descriptions (Mary has red hair.)hair.)

Quantitative – numbers (Mary was walking Quantitative – numbers (Mary was walking two dogs today.)two dogs today.)

When doing observations we ask:When doing observations we ask: ““Who” is thatWho” is that ““What” is thatWhat” is that ““When” is that happeningWhen” is that happening ““Where” is that taking placeWhere” is that taking place

ObservationObservation: the fact, the cat is lying on the : the fact, the cat is lying on the groundground

InferenceInference – logical conclusion based on – logical conclusion based on reasoningreasoning The cat is dead.The cat is dead. The cat is asleep.The cat is asleep. Why is the cat asleep? The cat is asleep because he Why is the cat asleep? The cat is asleep because he

is tired.is tired. InterpretationInterpretation – observation plus our personal – observation plus our personal

value systemvalue system The cat is so cute!The cat is so cute!

You will observe the following picture for a You will observe the following picture for a few seconds.few seconds.

Look at everything you think might be Look at everything you think might be important.important.

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¢ Are there cars parked on the sides of the road? ¢ What color is the pickup truck driving in the road? ¢ Any minivans around? ¢ What does the blue sign say? ¢ What's the speed limit? ¢ Are there any pedestrians on the road?

How observant were you???

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Where’s Waldo?

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Scientific Method Notes

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Essential Questions:Essential Questions:

1. Why do scientists use the scientific 1. Why do scientists use the scientific method? method?

2. What are the 6 steps of the Scientific 2. What are the 6 steps of the Scientific Method?Method?

3. What are the different types of variables 3. What are the different types of variables in an experiment?in an experiment?

Scientific MethodScientific Method

Scientists use their observations to come Scientists use their observations to come up with questions and use the answers to up with questions and use the answers to solve problems. Scientists develop and solve problems. Scientists develop and TEST ideas using a systematic, step by TEST ideas using a systematic, step by step approach called the scientific method. step approach called the scientific method.

In other words, it’s a way to solve a In other words, it’s a way to solve a problem.problem.

Step 1: Posing QuestionsStep 1: Posing Questions

Define the focus of the researchDefine the focus of the researchObserve the world around you using all Observe the world around you using all

senses to gather information.senses to gather information.Read books or other scientists’ researchRead books or other scientists’ researchMake sure your question is scientificMake sure your question is scientific

Can be answered with evidenceCan be answered with evidenceNOT answered with an opinionNOT answered with an opinion

Step 2: Develop a hypothesisStep 2: Develop a hypothesis

A hypothesis is a testable, educated guess A hypothesis is a testable, educated guess to answer your question or is a possible to answer your question or is a possible solution to the problem based on your solution to the problem based on your research or observationsresearch or observationsYour prediction, use “I think…”Your prediction, use “I think…”Must be TESTABLE!!Must be TESTABLE!!

Step 3: Design an ExperimentStep 3: Design an Experiment

Parts of an experiment:Parts of an experiment:Parameter: something that can be measuredParameter: something that can be measuredThe parameter being tested is the The parameter being tested is the

manipulated variable or independent manipulated variable or independent variable. variable. This is what you are manipulating or This is what you are manipulating or changing on purposechanging on purpose

The parameter that you are measuring is The parameter that you are measuring is called the called the responding variable or dependent responding variable or dependent variablevariable. It changes in response to or . It changes in response to or because of the manipulated variablebecause of the manipulated variable

Step 3: Design an Experiment Step 3: Design an Experiment (cont)(cont)

The parameters that don’t change are called the The parameters that don’t change are called the controlscontrols or or constantsconstants. Your control group is . Your control group is used for comparison. used for comparison.

The controls DO NOT change so you can be The controls DO NOT change so you can be more sure that your manipulated variable more sure that your manipulated variable CAUSED your responding variable to change,CAUSED your responding variable to change,

A A controlled experimentcontrolled experiment is an investigation is an investigation where only ONE parameter is manipulated at a where only ONE parameter is manipulated at a time.time.

Step 4: Collecting and Analyze DataStep 4: Collecting and Analyze Data

DataData are the facts figures and other evidence are the facts figures and other evidence gathered through observationsgathered through observations

As you collect the data you got from your As you collect the data you got from your experiment, write it down.experiment, write it down.

Organize your data into a chart, table, or graphOrganize your data into a chart, table, or graph Use pictures or photos to explain your resultsUse pictures or photos to explain your results Analyze your data by writing a summary of what Analyze your data by writing a summary of what

happened in your experiment.happened in your experiment.

Step 5: Draw ConclusionsStep 5: Draw Conclusions

Do the results of your experiment support Do the results of your experiment support your hypothesis or not? your hypothesis or not?

A conclusion states whether or not the A conclusion states whether or not the data supports the hypothesis.data supports the hypothesis.

Do you need to revise your hypothesis and Do you need to revise your hypothesis and retest?retest?

Step 6: Communicate your results Step 6: Communicate your results to othersto others

Share what you found out from your Share what you found out from your experimentexperiment

Scientists make presentations and write Scientists make presentations and write papers so others can repeat their papers so others can repeat their experimentsexperiments

Step 6: Communicate your results Step 6: Communicate your results to others to others (cont.)(cont.)

Scientists use Scientists use models, theories and lawsmodels, theories and laws to explain to people how the natural world to explain to people how the natural world works.works.

ModelModel: a picture, diagram or other : a picture, diagram or other representation when the real thing is not representation when the real thing is not easy to seeeasy to see

Theory:Theory: a conclusion backed up by many a conclusion backed up by many scientists with the same resultsscientists with the same results

Law:Law: a theory that has been proven over a theory that has been proven over and over again. A “rule” of nature.and over again. A “rule” of nature.