SCIENTIFIC METHODAIM #4. Describe the process of the scientific method and the skills scientists use

•*The term Scientific Method comes from the definition of science as "knowledge" and the Greek word methodos, meaning "pursuit" or "going after."

WHY DO WE USE THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD?Because it…

• (A) Is a way to obtain information. (Data) • (B) Is logical. • (C) Uses problem solving skills in an orderly manner.

HOW DO WE USE THE S.M.?

• 1. Define the problem by making

observations.

• 2. Form a hypothesis. "An Educated

Guess"

• 3. Do an experiment. Make observations –

NOT INFERENCES!

CONTINUED…

• 4. Analyze data.

• 5. Draw conclusions. (Answer hypothesis)

• 6. Communicate results.(Report)

After many studies we found that…

WHAT NEXT?

If your experiment is CONSISTENTLY TRUE

7. Theory – set of related hypotheses that have been tested and confirmed by many scientists.

• Example: Cell Theory

HOW DO WE DESIGN AN EXPERIMENT??

Experiment - an organized procedure or method to test a hypothesis.

All experiments MUST HAVE: • Control - a standard for comparison

• No variable (Ex. plain water)

• Constants - factors that do not vary (do not change) in an experiment.

• They must remain the same. (Ex. brand, height....)

WHAT ARE OUR VARIABLES?

• Independent variable - factor changed by the experimenter (the factor

tested) - a good experiment tests one variable.

• Dependent variable - factor that depends on the value of the independent

variable (a result measured)

HOW DO I REMEMBER ALL OF THIS?!