The Methods of Science

Science Standards Covered

• PS – 1.1 Generate hypotheses on the basis of credible, accurate, and relevant sources of scientific information

• PS – 1.4 Design a scientific investigation with appropriate methods of control to test a hypothesis (including independent and dependent variables), and evaluate the designs of sample investigations

• PS – 1.6 Evaluate the results of a controlled scientific investigation in terms of whether they refute or verify the hypothesis

The Scientific Method

Scientific method – an organized set of investigation procedures

– Usually contains 6 steps1. Stating a problem

2. Researching and Gathering Information

3. Forming a Hypothesis

4. Testing a Hypothesis

5. Analyze Data

6. Draw Conclusions

Stating the Problem

• Attempting to explain something that occurs repeatedly

• Trying to solve something that is not working

• Trying to create something to make life better

Researching and Gathering Information

• Gather information that might be useful in answering problem

• Determine what information and tests are still needed

Forming a Hypothesis

• Hypothesis – possible explanation for a problem using previous knowledge and experience

Testing a Hypothesis• Conduct experiments, testing one thing

to cause an effect on another using controlled conditions.– Independent variable – factor that you

change to see how it affects the dependent variable ‘the cause’

– Dependent variable – the factor that changes in response to the independent variable ‘the effect’

CheckPoint…Keisha observes goldfish in an outdoor pond. The goldfish seem to be more active when the weather is warm than when it is cold. She asks herself, "How do temperature changes affect goldfish?" What sort of variable would temperature be in Keisha's experiment?

independent

dependent

control

responding

– Constant – factor that does not change when other variables change

– Control – ‘standard’ by which the test results can be compared; often referred to as what is ‘normal conditions

Recording and Analyzing Data

• Observation• Using the data to see what the results

of the experiment are

Drawing Conclusions• Determining if your results support your

hypothesis• If not, determine what caused the error

or if your hypothesis needs to be revised ‘refute the hypothesis’

Observation

• Experiencing the world around you by using your senses!

seeing

tasting

hearing

touching

smelling

Types of Observations• Qualitative

descriptive

The pen dropped fast.

The pen is gray.

• Quantitative

numerical

The pen dropped in 2 seconds.

The pen is 8 cm long.

Theories and Laws

• Theory – an explanation of things or events based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations

• Law – statement about what happens in nature that seems to be true all the time

Science Standards Covered

• PS – 1.5 Organize and interpret the data from a controlled scientific investigation by using mathematics, graphs, models, and/or technology

Visualizing with Models

• Model – a representation of an idea, event, or object to help people understand it better

Science Standard

• PS – 1.8 Compare the processes of scientific investigation and technological design

Pure Science

• Pure science is the gathering of information that adds to the body of human knowledge.

• Pure science does not concern itself with the practical use and application of its information.

Technology

• Technology – the application of science to help people

• Technological Design – process followed to design products or processes to meet specified needs

CheckPoint…Dr. M wants to perform research on the effects of exposure to gamma radiation. Dr. B has developed a new type of instrument that fires gamma radiation at tumors; he wants to research the effectiveness of his "gamma knife." What is the fundamental difference between the research performed by these two doctors?

Dr. M must know about nuclear decay and Mr. B doesn't need to.

Dr. M's research is ethical and Dr. B's is not.

Dr. M is conducting a scientific investigation and Dr. B is not.

Dr. B is focusing on technological design and Dr. M is not.

CheckPoint…Without knowing the ultimate purpose of each activity, which of the following would most likely be a part of a scientific investigation?

traveling to the rain forest

extracting DNA samples from eight varieties of rain forest beetles

moving to the rain forest to see if you can survive there

listening to the music of native indians

CheckPoint…Which of the following is a technological design investigation?

buying a go-cart

installing a new bumper

finding ways to make the go-cart faster

painting the go-cart

Science Standard

• PS – 1.2 Use appropriate laboratory apparatuses, technology, and techniques safely and accurately when conducting a scientific investigation

Equipment

Equipment Overview

Equipment Activity

1. Choose a partner.

2. Visit each station of lab equipment. Cut and paste each object name, object function, and, when appropriate, associated unit of measure onto your lab equipment study sheet.