PHY111: Summer 201253

Lesson 01: Orientation, “Scientific Method,” Nature of Science

- Introductions- Syllabus Review- Course Overview- Explanation of “Distributed” format

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Let me introduce myself…• Name: David G. LaFazia (alias “Mr. L.”)• My History w/ Delaware Tech:

– Swimming– Student– Peer Tutor

– Teacher’s Aide– Adjunct Professor– Full-Time Instructor– Department Chair

Oh yes, and: I am a student, still!

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• I like to know my students and their backgrounds. Not only does this help ME to relate class content to your interests and careers, but since you will all be working together it helps you gauge who might be the most suitable lab partners for you.

TELL US:

1) Your Name2) Your Major3) How you believe taking this Physics class will help you reach your life and

career goals4) and finally… One other thing about yourself that you would like to share.

Now introduce yourselves!

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“How is this course going to work”?

1) Review the Syllabus2) Explain Distributed format3) Explore “The Plan”4) Discuss HOW TO FAIL THIS COURSE5) Remind re: Office Hours & Tutoring Center6) Choose TWO study buddies

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What is the Scientific Method?

• Traditionally speaking…

• I have taught students about “The Scientific Method” for almost a decade…

The “Scientific Method” involves 5 steps: ObservationQuestionHypothesisMethod/ExperimentResult (w/ Conclusion)

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I have taught students about “The Scientific Method” for almost a decade…

• But……there is much more to the story.

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Before we “go there,” though…• PART ONE, w/ a partner: Restate the 5 Steps of the Scientific Method in your own words. I want you to think as if you were teaching it to someone younger than yourself.

• PART TWO, individually: Think of a time when you had a question (or a problem) which needed answering (or solving). Describe what this question/problem was. Then, go through each step of the Scientific Method and identify how you approached the question/problem. [We will be sharing these in class, so make sure that you are comfortable discussing these openly!]

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Poem:Methodically Scientific, by D. LaFazia

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"Dr. Watson!" Sherlock Holmes cried out, perceiving some new clue."I spy a toad, upon this road, whose innards are now goo.""I wonder how they got this way," Watson did reply."Certainly not willingly," the detective did descry.

An Observation of this sort is nothing to be left.The Question formed was how the perpetrator perpetrated this grand theft.That life was gone--no question there--was obvious to them,But who had done this dirty deed and turned the toad to phlegm?

"I do Propose," said Sherlock now, "that tires did the deed,"And furthermore, the Dunlop brand!" he brazenly decreed."Why Holmes, old boy," the Doctor spoke, "how make you such a claim?""My methods, Watson, you do know, and conviction is my aim."

The duo traveled far and wide along the London street--Searching here and checking there for frog guts on car feet.They checked Goodyear, Dunlop; Firestone too,For thorough Testing is what an objective scientist must do!

"AHA!" blurted Sherlock, "See here, my good man!"I have found the death of this poor frog (who is flatter than a pan)."The deed was done, as I have said, with this rear Dunlop tire,"But I see justice has been done as well, for vandals have set the car afire!"

"So it would seem," Watson proclaimed, as both men backed away."But Holmes, how did you track it down--you've really saved the day."I have to tell you, my dear friend, your Conclusions seem terrific!""Nonsense, dear boy," Holmes replied with a grin, "They're Methodically Scientific!"

Lab 1: Optical “Delusion”?• There is a certain page in your textbook with a set of 8 optical illusions (do

not try to find it—I will tell you where it is shortly). Get a ruler (“centometer”) and a piece of scrap paper. Also, get a piece of paper on which to record your lab results and thought-processes (this will constitute your lab report).

• Under each picture is a question. YOU WILL BE COVERING UP THE QUESTION so that you cannot read it, yet. (This lab is more instructional (and entertaining) when you follow these steps explicitly, so bear with me).

• Now turn to pg. 318 of your textbook (quickly covering up the WHOLE page so that you cannot see any part of it).

• Follow the instructions for each step on the following slide.• Record every step of the Scientific Method for all 8 optical illusions. As I

said previously, this record will constitute your lab report.

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Optical “Delusion”?• Image One: (upper left-hand corner)

• (Remember for all of these to keep the question covered until after you make your initial Observation).

• Step One: Make an observation about the image. • Step Two: Reveal the question and record it.• Step Three: Make a hypothesis by proposing an initial answer to your question.• Step Four: Test your hypothesis (using your ruler). Be sure to explain your experiment!• Step Five: Describe your result and form a conclusion. If your original hypothesis was

incorrect, provide a revised hypothesis.

• NOTE: You may continue in the same manner for all 7 other images, HOWEVER, there are the following exceptions:

• With the Black Boxes / Dots image the ruler will likely not be helpful. • When you get to the Writing in the Triangle one, quickly make your observation a

recording of what the box says (just read it quickly to yourself and write it down).

• Begin!

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So what’s “the TRUTH” about the Scientific Method?

• Discuss the following:1) What do scientists REALLY DO?2) Does the so-called Scientific Method cover this?3) What is meant by Nature of Science (NOS)?

• For this question, go to a computer station in groups of 2 or 3 (or use your SmartPhones, &tc.) and find one quick fact to share on what you uncover for “NOS.”

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Lab 2: NOS• At each lab table there is a different item (or group of

items).

• Each setup has the potential to be applied uniquely.

• Your assignment is to FIND OUT SOMETHING NEW about your item(s).

• Reflect on this experience with a group paper outlining what your object was, how you went about exploring it, and what you found out. Record any questions and ideas that came up during the exploration. [This is your lab report]. Part of your group’s grade will be overall participation and depth of exploration and explanation. 12/14

Grades/Assignments:Lab 1 (should be turned in)

Lab 2 (should be turned in)

Read sections 1.3-1.4, 5.7-5.12

Review pp. 373-376 material

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Looking Ahead:Lesson 02 will be delivered online. We will explore the Work-Energy Theorem, Energy Transfer, and Energy Transformation.

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