Introduction to Science

The Scientific Method – a systematic approach to solving a problem

The Way Science Works

State the problem / pose a question

Research the problem / gather information by making observations

Form a hypothesis – educated guess to answer the question

Design an experiment• Must be repeatable• Controlled experiments only test one

variable at a timeIndependent variable –

(manipulated) –the variable changed

Dependent variable – (responding) – the variable observed

Observe and record data, then analyzeIf the hypothesis is inaccurate,

restate and develop a new hypothesis

Arrive at a conclusionBe able to repeat the experiment

Theory: a well-tested explanation for a wide range of observations or experimental results

Law: an observed pattern in nature, but does not provide an explanation for it

Metric Measurements & Measuring Tools

The metric system is based on units of 10

Metric Measurements & Measuring Tools

Distance (length) Unit of meter (m) = about 39 inches Measured with a ruler (estimate to the

0.01 cm)

Metric Measurements & Measuring Tools

Mass (how much matter) Unit of gram (g) =

about 1 paperclip Measured with a

balance (estimate to the 0.01 g)

Metric Measurements & Measuring Tools

Volume (how much space) Unit of Liter (L) for

liquids = about 1 quart

Measured with a graduated cylinder

Must read the meniscus (bottom of liquid)

Metric Measurements & Measuring Tools

Volume (how much space) Unit of cubic

centimeters (cm3) for solids = about 1 sugar cube

Calculate with a formula (e.g., volume of cube = lwh)

1 mL = 1 cm3

Metric Measurements & Measuring Tools

Temperature (measure of the motion of particles) Unit of degrees Celsius

(oC) = 22oC is room temp Measured with a

thermometer

Metric Measurements & Measuring Tools

Weight (affect gravity has on an object) Unit of Newton (N) = about 1 apple Measured with a scale

Metric Measurements & Measuring Tools

Density (amount of matter in a given space) Density = mass / volume (D = m/V) Units of g/mL (liquids) or g/cm3 (solids) When calculating density, must use 5-

Step Problem Solving