chapter 1b the scientific method. a logical procedure for choosing an answer to a question the...

Chapter 1BThe Scientific

Method

Chapter 1BThe Scientific

Method

A logical procedure for choosing an answer to a

question

A logical procedure for choosing an answer to a

question

The Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method

Using the Scientific Method

• Define the problem.• Do preliminary research.• Form a hypothesis.

• Define the problem.• Do preliminary research.• Form a hypothesis.

An educated guess that attempts to

answer a problem

An educated guess that attempts to

answer a problem

A HypothesisA Hypothesis

THE PROBLEMA salamander escapes from

an aquarium and is found the next day very dried out and dead. The next day a baby

alligator escapes and is found a day later in good shape.

A salamander escapes from an aquarium and is found the next day very dried out and dead. The next day a baby

alligator escapes and is found a day later in good shape.

Example 1Example 1

Although both alligators and salamanders are aquatic, alligators can survive on land longer

than salamanders.

Although both alligators and salamanders are aquatic, alligators can survive on land longer

than salamanders.

POSSIBLE HYPOTHESISPOSSIBLE HYPOTHESIS

Example 1Example 1

THE PROBLEMTwo jars of home-canned

beans are placed on a shelf. Both were canned at the same time. After a month, one jar is

still good. The other jar is discolored and smells bad.

Two jars of home-canned beans are placed on a shelf.

Both were canned at the same time. After a month, one jar is

still good. The other jar is discolored and smells bad.

Example 2Example 2

If jars are not sealed properly, bacteria will

destroy food.

If jars are not sealed properly, bacteria will

destroy food.

POSSIBLE HYPOTHESISPOSSIBLE HYPOTHESIS

Example 2Example 2

1. Set up an experiment or survey.


Steps of the Scientific Method


2. Observe the experiment or survey.




3. Collect the information and record it.

3. Collect the information and record it.



4. Classify the data.




The recorded information from an experiment or

survey

The recorded information from an experiment or

survey

DataData

5. Analyze the data.




6. Choose the best answer.

6. Choose the best answer.



7. Verify the answer.




8. Predict future results.




The ability to apply scientific

knowledge to similar situations

The ability to apply scientific

knowledge to similar situations

WorkabilityWorkability

Controlled ExperimentsControlled Experiments• Two groups with the

difference being one variable

–Control group = constant

–Experimental group = exposed to the variable

• Two groups with the difference being one variable

–Control group = constant

–Experimental group = exposed to the variable

–Independent variable = the factor being tested; the difference between the control and experimental groups

–Dependent variable = the factor being measured; influenced by the independent variable

–Independent variable = the factor being tested; the difference between the control and experimental groups

–Dependent variable = the factor being measured; influenced by the independent variable

Controlled ExperimentsControlled Experiments

• Only the experimental group is exposed to the independent variable.

• Multiple variables cause an experiment to be invalid.

• Only the experimental group is exposed to the independent variable.

• Multiple variables cause an experiment to be invalid.

Controlled ExperimentsControlled Experiments

Problem: Does fertilizer with insecticide help my lawn grow faster than fertilizer without insecticide?

Hypothesis: Fertilizer with insecticide will make my lawn grow faster.

Problem: Does fertilizer with insecticide help my lawn grow faster than fertilizer without insecticide?

Hypothesis: Fertilizer with insecticide will make my lawn grow faster.

Sample Experiment 1Sample Experiment 1

Procedure: On one side of lawn, put just fertilizer. On other side, put fertilizer with insecticide. Keep all other factors equal. Measure and record growth.

Procedure: On one side of lawn, put just fertilizer. On other side, put fertilizer with insecticide. Keep all other factors equal. Measure and record growth.


What is the independent variable?What is the independent variable?

insecticideinsecticide


What is the dependent variable?What is the dependent variable?

growth of the lawngrowth of the lawn


Which side of the lawn is the experimental group?Which side of the lawn is the experimental group?

the side with insecticidethe side with insecticide


Which side of the lawn is the control group?

Which side of the lawn is the control group?

the side without insecticidethe side without insecticide


What variables do you need to control?

What variables do you need to control?

type of fertilizer, amount of water, amount of sunlight,

etc.

type of fertilizer, amount of water, amount of sunlight,

etc.


Problem: Does giving mice extra vitamin B help them grow?

Hypothesis: Giving mice extra vitamin B will cause them to grow faster.

Problem: Does giving mice extra vitamin B help them grow?

Hypothesis: Giving mice extra vitamin B will cause them to grow faster.


Procedure: Give both groups of mice the same food. In one groups’ food, place 10 mg of vitamin B. Do this every day for a month. Keep all other factors equal. Measure and record growth.

Procedure: Give both groups of mice the same food. In one groups’ food, place 10 mg of vitamin B. Do this every day for a month. Keep all other factors equal. Measure and record growth.


What is the independent variable?

What is the independent variable?

1. Food2. Growth of the mice3. Vitamin B4. There is no independent

variable in this experiment.

1. Food2. Growth of the mice3. Vitamin B4. There is no independent

variable in this experiment.


1. Food2. Growth of the mice3. Lifespan of the mice4. Vitamin B5. There is no dependent

variable in the experiment.

1. Food2. Growth of the mice3. Lifespan of the mice4. Vitamin B5. There is no dependent

variable in the experiment.

Sample Experiment 2Sample Experiment 2What is the dependent

variable?What is the dependent

variable?

1. The group that received vitamin B

2. The group that did not receive vitamin B

3. Both groups were experimental groups.

1. The group that received vitamin B

2. The group that did not receive vitamin B

3. Both groups were experimental groups.

Sample Experiment 2Sample Experiment 2Which group is the

experimental group?Which group is the

experimental group?

Are there any variables to control in this experiment

besides the amount of vitamin B given to the

mice?

Are there any variables to control in this experiment

besides the amount of vitamin B given to the

mice?

1. Yes2. No

1. Yes2. No


Limitations of ScienceLimitations of Science• Must deal with observable,

measurable phenomena–Cannot deal with matters of

faith

• Can only describe, not explain–Cannot answer the question

“why”

• Must deal with observable, measurable phenomena–Cannot deal with matters of

faith

• Can only describe, not explain–Cannot answer the question

“why”

• Observations may be inaccurate.

• Observations and interpretations are subject to bias.–Bias is what a person wants to

believe.

• Observations may be inaccurate.

• Observations and interpretations are subject to bias.–Bias is what a person wants to

believe.

Limitations of ScienceLimitations of Science

• Impossible to limit completely the variables

• Results must be repeatable to be considered valid.

• Impossible to limit completely the variables

• Results must be repeatable to be considered valid.


• Cannot make value judgments or moral decisions

• Cannot prove or disprove universal statements

• Cannot establish truth

• Cannot make value judgments or moral decisions

• Cannot prove or disprove universal statements

• Cannot establish truth


Science & The ChristianScience & The Christian• We have the

responsibility to be wise stewards over God’s creation.–To “subdue” does not

mean to “destroy.”

• We have the responsibility to be wise stewards over God’s creation.–To “subdue” does not

mean to “destroy.”

Genesis 1:28Genesis 1:28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth,

and subdue it:

And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth,

and subdue it:

Genesis 1:28Genesis 1:28and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living

thing that moveth upon the earth.

and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living

thing that moveth upon the earth.

• Science is not in itself good or bad.–Science can supply answers

to some physical problems.–How man uses science can

be good or bad.

• Science is not in itself good or bad.–Science can supply answers

to some physical problems.–How man uses science can

be good or bad.

Science & The ChristianScience & The Christian

• Science cannot replace faith in God.–Science is not the answer

to man’s ultimate problem.

• Science cannot replace faith in God.–Science is not the answer

to man’s ultimate problem.


A Christian should look on science as an

opportunity given to him by God to learn as much as he can about God’s

creation.

A Christian should look on science as an

opportunity given to him by God to learn as much as he can about God’s

creation.






3. Collect & record the data.



3. Collect & record the data.



6. Choose the answer.



6. Choose the answer.



chapter 1b the scientific method. a logical procedure for choosing an answer to a question the...

Documents

variable slide

hypothesis slide

scientific method

survey data slide

variable control group

scientific knowledge

insecticide sample experiment

constant experimental