An Introduction to the An Introduction to the Scientific MethodScientific Method

The Lead Balloon ChallengeThe Lead Balloon Challenge

To-DoTo-Do

Have your science safety contract out on Have your science safety contract out on your desk.your desk.

Answer the following questions in your Answer the following questions in your journal (To-Do Tab):journal (To-Do Tab):

1.1.Safety contract key points heSafety contract key points he

2.2.If the bowling ball and the golf ball on the If the bowling ball and the golf ball on the table rolled off at the same time, which one table rolled off at the same time, which one would hit the ground first?would hit the ground first?

Galileo GalileiGalileo Galilei

Galileo was born in Pisa Italy in 1564 (the same year that William Galileo was born in Pisa Italy in 1564 (the same year that William Shakespeare was born and the same year Michelangelo died). He Shakespeare was born and the same year Michelangelo died). He is known as the is known as the ‘Father of Modern Science’‘Father of Modern Science’. He was famous for his . He was famous for his work with astronomy, physics, philosophy and mathematics. He work with astronomy, physics, philosophy and mathematics. He made improvements to the telescope and was one of the first made improvements to the telescope and was one of the first people to use the people to use the scientific method scientific method to test theories. The idea of to test theories. The idea of testing and experimenting to prove or disprove a theory was testing and experimenting to prove or disprove a theory was revolutionaryrevolutionary during Galileo’s time. during Galileo’s time.

Galileo’s innovative way of thinking led him to disprove some of the Galileo’s innovative way of thinking led him to disprove some of the beliefs of ancient Greek philosophers, like Aristotle. He also beliefs of ancient Greek philosophers, like Aristotle. He also published work that helped prove Copernicus’ Heliocentric Theory. published work that helped prove Copernicus’ Heliocentric Theory. The Catholic Church condemned his theory calling it The Catholic Church condemned his theory calling it “false and “false and contrary to scripture.”contrary to scripture.” Galileo was shunned by the church and was Galileo was shunned by the church and was forced to spend the rest of his life under house arrest.forced to spend the rest of his life under house arrest.

Galileo’s Law of Galileo’s Law of Falling BodiesFalling Bodies

Pisa, Italy, December 1612: Pisa, Italy, December 1612: A new test of an old idea about motion.A new test of an old idea about motion.

In ancient Greek times In ancient Greek times AristotleAristotle observed and claimed that heavier observed and claimed that heavier bodies fall faster than small light ones of the same material.bodies fall faster than small light ones of the same material.

““A mass of gold or lead, or of any other body endowed with weight is quicker to fall in A mass of gold or lead, or of any other body endowed with weight is quicker to fall in proportion to it’s size.” proportion to it’s size.” ~Aristotle~Aristotle

In Pisa Italy, In Pisa Italy, Galileo Galileo also conducted experiments with falling objects. also conducted experiments with falling objects. As legend has it, he dropped two objects of different mass off of the As legend has it, he dropped two objects of different mass off of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The objects fell at the same speed hitting Leaning Tower of Pisa. The objects fell at the same speed hitting the ground at the same time. The results of his experiment the ground at the same time. The results of his experiment contradicted Aristotle’s theories and led him to publish the contradicted Aristotle’s theories and led him to publish the ‘Law of ‘Law of Falling Bodies’Falling Bodies’

Lead Balloon ChallengeLead Balloon Challenge

Objective: To design a balloon that will drop from the 2nd floor balcony to the 1st floor the fastest.

Materials:• 1 Balloon (inflated to the balloon-sizer standard)• 2 sheets of paper• 1 meter of masking tape

Key Question…Key Question…

If Galileo’s publications are true and if every group gets the same supplies with the same mass and the same size balloon, then is it possible for anybody to win this challenge or will everyone just tie?

If you think it’s possible to win this challenge and not just tie, then what could you do to change the rate that your balloon falls?

What do scientists do to test theories like this?

Dependent vs. Independent Dependent vs. Independent Variables Variables

Independent Variable-Independent Variable- what you choose to what you choose to change intentionallychange intentionally

Graphed on X axisGraphed on X axis

Dependent Variable-Dependent Variable- depends/changes because depends/changes because of the Independent Variable. of the Independent Variable.

(what you measure and observe)(what you measure and observe) Graphed on Y axisGraphed on Y axis

YOU CAN ONLY CHANGE 1 VARIABLE AT A YOU CAN ONLY CHANGE 1 VARIABLE AT A TIME IN AN EXPERIMENT!!!TIME IN AN EXPERIMENT!!!

Lead Balloon ChallengeLead Balloon ChallengeProcedure:

1. Design and draw your balloon with your group in your science journal (get creative). Then once your design is approved…build it!

2. Test the drop speed of your balloon.3. Record the drop time and analyze the performance

of your balloon (the faster it drops, the better).4. Revise your design based on your data and

observations.5. Test the drop speed of your balloon again to

optimize your balloon’s performance.

Journal RequirementsJournal Requirements

Lead Balloon Challenge

Materials 1. 2. 3.

Objective:

Initial Time = ______

Initial Balloon Design

Quiz Time!

Take out a blank sheet of paper and put your name and period number in the upper right hand corner. When you are ready to go, wait quietly for

further instructions.

1. True or False: food, drinks, and gum are allowed in a lab.

2. What kind of footwear should you wear for a lab?

3. When is it appropriate to wear safety glasses?

4. True/False: I should never taste, touch or smell materials unless asked to do so by Ms. Ryan

5. What should you do if you want to perform your own experiment that sparks your interest?

6. If you don’t understand the directions or aren’t sure how to use a piece of equipment what should you do?

7. True or False: Horseplay will be tolerated in the laboratory.

8. If you have an accident or even a minor injury in the lab, who should you immediately inform?

9. Where is the first aid kit located in the room?

Journal RequirementsJournal Requirements

Lead Balloon ChallengePart 2

Analysis Questions 1. 2. 3.

Final Time = ______

Final Balloon Design

Lead Balloon ChallengeLead Balloon ChallengeYour lab write-up: This should go in your journal below your final

designAnswer using complete sentences!

1. What was the independent variable in this challenge? (thing we changed)

2. What was the dependent variable in this challenge? (thing we measured)

3. Compare and contrast your initial design with your final design. What did you change and why?

4. Write some of the observations you made based on the initial balloon drop tests.

5. Write two inferences about balloon flight that you discovered based on your observations.

6. What things effect the flight of a falling object? 7. Compare how this activity relates to using the scientific method to

solve a problem.

Card Tricks!Card Tricks!

Can a deck of cards help us understand the scientific method?

The Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method

1. State the Problem/Purpose2. Background Research (optional)3. Formulate a Hypothesis4. Perform an Experiment or Test5. Collect and Analyze Data6. State a Conclusion or results

Inquiry WheelInquiry WheelScientific Method Revised…Scientific Method Revised…

State the Problem/Purpose

• What is your goal?• What idea are you trying to test?• What is the scientific question you are trying to answer?

Formulate a Hypothesis

• Formulate an educated guess to explain the problem.• Make a prediction regarding the outcome of your experiment.• State the results you are predicting in measurable terms.

• WHAT and WHY

How to Perform an Experiment or Test

• Give a detailed explanation of how you will conduct the experiment to test your hypothesis. This is called a procedure.

• Be clear about the variables (elements of the experiment that change to test

your hypothesis) versus your controls (elements of the experiment that do not change).

• Be very specific about how you will measure results to prove or disprove your hypothesis. You should include a regular timetable for measuring results or observing the projects (for example, every hour, every day, every week).

Collect and Analyze Data

• Make detailed observations throughout your experiment• Record all important data that is collected• Make graphs, tables, and charts to organize and analyze results• Ask yourself: What does this data tell me about my problem?

State a Conclusion

• Answer your problem/purpose statement.• What did your experiment prove?• Explain your data and results. Why did the results occur?• Was your hypothesis correct?• What did you learn from your experiment?

The Scientific Method in ActionThe Scientific Method in Action