Chapter 1 Section 2Chapter 1 Section 2

The Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method

What Are Scientific Methods?What Are Scientific Methods?

1.1. Observations lead Observations lead to questions or to questions or problems.problems.

2.2. Scientific methods Scientific methods are steps used to are steps used to answer the answer the question/solve the question/solve the problem.problem.

3.3. The steps can be The steps can be used in or out of used in or out of order.order.

Getting StartedGetting Started

1.1. It all begins with a It all begins with a question.question.

2.2. Make Make observations:observations:1.1. Take picturesTake pictures2.2. MeasureMeasure3.3. Write a descriptionWrite a description4.4. Collect dataCollect data5.5. Test and recordTest and record

3.3. Use appropriate Use appropriate tools.tools.

Form a HypothesisForm a Hypothesis1.1. Questions + observations can lead to a: Questions + observations can lead to a:

hypothesis.hypothesis.2.2. Hypothesis: a possible answer/explanation of the Hypothesis: a possible answer/explanation of the

question.question.1.1. Based on observations.Based on observations.2.2. Can be tested.Can be tested.3.3. Logical, creative, builds on prior knowledge.Logical, creative, builds on prior knowledge.

Activity: What happened to the Activity: What happened to the Flask? Flask?

►Using the Erlenmeyer flask cutouts, you Using the Erlenmeyer flask cutouts, you will:will: Color some liquid “chemical” into the flasks. Color some liquid “chemical” into the flasks. Cut out the flasks and glue them apart from Cut out the flasks and glue them apart from

each other near the top of page 46.each other near the top of page 46. Write out the following prompt right beneath Write out the following prompt right beneath

the flasks: “You only left the lab for 15 the flasks: “You only left the lab for 15 minutes to grab a snack. When you came minutes to grab a snack. When you came back, the flask you just filled was broken at back, the flask you just filled was broken at the top, with some chemical spilled. Propose the top, with some chemical spilled. Propose 3 different hypotheses as to how/why the 3 different hypotheses as to how/why the flask broke in your absence (or what caused it flask broke in your absence (or what caused it to break).”to break).”

Remember to keep in mind what makes a Remember to keep in mind what makes a good hypothesis.good hypothesis.

1.1. ““When there is less oxygen in the When there is less oxygen in the water, rainbow trout suffer more lice.” water, rainbow trout suffer more lice.”

2.2. ““Ladybugs are a good natural pesticide Ladybugs are a good natural pesticide for treating aphid infected plants.”for treating aphid infected plants.”

3.3. ““Aphid-infected plants that are exposed Aphid-infected plants that are exposed to ladybugs will have fewer aphids after to ladybugs will have fewer aphids after a week than aphid-infected plants a week than aphid-infected plants which are left untreated.”which are left untreated.”

4.4. ““Our universe is surrounded by Our universe is surrounded by another, larger universe, with which we another, larger universe, with which we can have absolutely no contact.”can have absolutely no contact.”

Homer was told that a certain itching powder was the newest best thing on the market. It even claims to decrease itching by 50% because it contains caffeine. Interested in this product, he buys the itching powder and compares it to his usual product, which contains aloe vera. On one itching spot, he puts the new powder. On another itching spot, he puts his old cream. He then times how long it takes for the products to stop his itch.

Let’s ReviewLet’s Review

The first 3 steps of the Scientific Method The first 3 steps of the Scientific Method are:are:

1.1. QuestionQuestion

2.2. ObservationObservation

3.3. HypothesisHypothesis

Before The HypothesisBefore The Hypothesis1.1. Predictions must be Predictions must be

made before the made before the test.test.

2.2. Prediction: a Prediction: a statement of cause statement of cause and effect (if-then).and effect (if-then).

3.3. More than one More than one prediction can be prediction can be made.made.

4.4. Experiments are Experiments are done to test done to test predictions and predictions and hypothesis.hypothesis.

5.5. Experiments can Experiments can match or not.match or not.

Testing the HypothesisTesting the Hypothesis

1.1. An experiment tests An experiment tests the hypothesis.the hypothesis.

2.2. Different factors Different factors can influence an can influence an experiment.experiment.

3.3. A controlled A controlled experiment tests experiment tests one factor at a one factor at a time.time.

4.4. A factor that differs A factor that differs from the others is from the others is the variable.the variable.

Designing an ExperimentDesigning an Experiment

1.1. Every factor must be considered.Every factor must be considered.

2.2. Ethics and proper guidelines must be in place.Ethics and proper guidelines must be in place.

3.3. Safety is the top priority and common sense Safety is the top priority and common sense is essential.is essential.

Activity: Simpson Science Activity: Simpson Science

1.1. Part 1: Venn DiagramPart 1: Venn Diagram1.1. Compare predictions and hypotheses.Compare predictions and hypotheses.

2.2. Write 3 to 4 pieces of information for each Write 3 to 4 pieces of information for each part.part.

3.3. Include at least one graphic.Include at least one graphic.

4.4. Cut out and glue tab onto the top of page 52Cut out and glue tab onto the top of page 52

2.2. Part 2: Simpson ScenarioPart 2: Simpson Scenario1.1. Read the scenario and complete the steps.Read the scenario and complete the steps.

2.2. Glue near the bottom of page 52.Glue near the bottom of page 52.

►An experiment is conducted to determine the effects of energy drinks on an individual’s heart rate. Groups A and B have been matched for all factors such as age and sex. Each person in group A is given two ‘Red Bull’ energy drinks for breakfast and lunch, and then the heart rate is measured. Each person in group B is given water to drink with breakfast and lunch, and then their heart rate is measured. Both groups are fed the same breakfast and lunch. The results are recorded.

Analyzing the ResultsAnalyzing the Results

1.1. An experiment An experiment produces data produces data that must be that must be analyzed.analyzed.

2.2. With analysis With analysis comes the need comes the need for organization.for organization.

3.3. Analysis allows for Analysis allows for the variable to be the variable to be explained.explained.

Draw ConclusionsDraw Conclusions

1.1. Do the results Do the results match the match the hypothesis?hypothesis?

2.2. Did I reach the Did I reach the answer I answer I expected?expected?

3.3. Were there any Were there any mistakes?mistakes?

4.4. Do I need to make Do I need to make any revisions, or any revisions, or repeat any steps?repeat any steps?

Communicate the ResultsCommunicate the Results1.1. When all is said and done, communicate the When all is said and done, communicate the

results.results.2.2. Information is shared, revealed, or published.Information is shared, revealed, or published.3.3. Other scientists are informed and can Other scientists are informed and can

compare notes.compare notes.4.4. The results can influence other scientists and The results can influence other scientists and

experiments.experiments.

Activity: Scientific Method Four Activity: Scientific Method Four Square (56)Square (56)

1.1. Choose a question/problem from the list.Choose a question/problem from the list.

2.2. Write the question and provide a Write the question and provide a graphic in square 1.graphic in square 1.

3.3. Create a hypothesis and provide a Create a hypothesis and provide a graphic in square 2.graphic in square 2.

4.4. Design an experiment to test your Design an experiment to test your hypothesis and provide a graphic in hypothesis and provide a graphic in square 3.square 3.

5.5. Explain how you would communicate Explain how you would communicate your results and provide a graphic in your results and provide a graphic in square 4. square 4.

1.Hyperactivity is unrelated to eating sugar.

2.If you drop a ball, it will fall toward the ground.

Students saw advertisements for two brands of light bulbs:

Costs $.50 less than other brands!

Lasts 30 hours longer than other brands!

The students are unsure how to decide which brand of light bulb is the better buy.

1. Describe two additional pieces of information that would help the students decide which bulb is the better buy.

2. Design a quick experiment to test which bulb would actually be the better buy.

A team of scientists wants to study the size of Anaconda snakes in the wild. After capturing a snake, the team measures and records the length of each snake. After the snakes are released, the team finds the average length of the snakes they captured.

1. Which parts of the scientific method have the scientists used?

2. Which part of the scientific method should the scientists move on to next?

Vocab Cards ProtocolVocab Cards Protocol

1.1. Cut cards in half.Cut cards in half.

2.2. Write term on front and draw a picture Write term on front and draw a picture to illustrate term as you can remember to illustrate term as you can remember it.it.

3.3. Use the term in a sentence on back of Use the term in a sentence on back of card.card.

4.4. TapeTape the card onto the appropriate the card onto the appropriate page in journal.page in journal.

5.5. Write the definition behind the card on Write the definition behind the card on the notebook side.the notebook side.

{Glue this onto the top of page 15}

VocabularyVocabulary

1.1. Scientific methodScientific method2.2. HypothesisHypothesis3.3. Controlled Controlled

experimentexperiment4.4. PredictionPrediction

► The terms above The terms above can be found on can be found on pages 12-16. pages 12-16.

1.1. Control group: a group Control group: a group of subjects not being of subjects not being experimented upon and experimented upon and used for comparison.used for comparison.

2.2. Independent variable: a Independent variable: a variable that stands variable that stands alone and will alone and will notnot change after the change after the experiment.experiment.

3.3. Dependent variable: a Dependent variable: a variable that variable that can/willcan/will change after the change after the experiment.experiment.

► The terms above are The terms above are notnot found directly in your found directly in your textbook. Please rewrite textbook. Please rewrite the definitions above in the definitions above in your own words. your own words.

Continue VocabularyContinue Vocabulary

1.1. Scientific methodScientific method2.2. HypothesisHypothesis3.3. Controlled Controlled

experimentexperiment4.4. PredictionPrediction

► The terms above The terms above can be found on can be found on pages 12-16. pages 12-16.

1.1. Control group: a group Control group: a group of subjects not being of subjects not being experimented upon and experimented upon and used for comparison.used for comparison.

2.2. Independent variable: a Independent variable: a variable that stands variable that stands alone and will alone and will notnot change after the change after the experiment.experiment.

3.3. Dependent variable: a Dependent variable: a variable that variable that can/willcan/will change after the change after the experiment.experiment.

► The terms above are The terms above are notnot found directly in your found directly in your textbook. Please rewrite textbook. Please rewrite the definitions above in the definitions above in your own words. your own words.

Independent vs. DependentIndependent vs. Dependent► Independent example: someone's age Independent example: someone's age

might be an might be an independentindependent variable. Other variable. Other factors (such as what they eat, how much factors (such as what they eat, how much they go to school, how much television they go to school, how much television they watch) aren't going to change a they watch) aren't going to change a person's age.person's age.

►Dependent example: a test score could be Dependent example: a test score could be a a dependentdependent variable because it could variable because it could change depending on several factors such change depending on several factors such as how much you studied, how much sleep as how much you studied, how much sleep you got the night before you took the test, you got the night before you took the test, or even how hungry you were when you or even how hungry you were when you took it. took it.