scientific method. i. scientific inquiry a. inquiry = to ask questions how do you learn from asking...
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Scientific Method
I. Scientific Inquiry
A. Inquiry = To ask questions How do you learn from asking questions? No single way to gain knowledge!
B. With answers from questions you gain a bank of skills to help you find answers to even more questions
II. Scientific Research
A. Scientists perform research and make observations to state possible explanations to questions.
B. Using the Scientific Method they test these explanations to answer their questions
III. Scientific MethodA. There are several versions of the
scientific method. However, they all begin with the identification of a problem or a question to be answered based on observations of the world around us.
IV. Steps of the Scientific Method
1. State Your QuestionWhat do you want to know or explain? Use
observations you have made to write a question. 2. Form a HypothesisWhat do you think will happen? Predict the answer
to your question or the outcome of the experiment.
3. Create Experiment/Perform ExperimentHow will you test your hypothesis? Develop a
procedure for a reliable experiment and address safety rules. Follow the steps in your procedure to perform your experiment. Record data and observations!
IV. Steps of the Scientific Method
4. Analyze Data
Is the data reliable? Does your data and observations from the experiment support your hypothesis?
orIs your data inaccurate or the experiment
flawed? (If not Rewrite your procedure to address the flaws in the original experiment)
5. Communicate Results
Write a conclusion that summarizes the important parts of your experiment and the results.
V. VariablesA. In any experiment there are several
variables that must be understood including:1. Independent Variable – factor that is changed
2. Dependent Variable – factor that changes as a result of the independent variable
3. Control – does not receive the independent variable
4. Standardizing Variable - constants
Variable ExampleIn order to find if hummingbirds have a color
preference.
Set Up:
Independent variable:
Dependent variable:
Standardized variable:
VI. Graphing VariablesA. Once the data has been collected it
needs to be represented so that the results can be shared and easily understood.1. Graphs – reveal patterns or trends
a. Bar graphs - show comparisonsb. Line graphs – show trends over time
VI. Graphing VariablesB. When creating a graph the independent
variable (manipulated) always goes along the “X” axis while the dependent variable (responsive) goes along the “Y”
Dr. DRY MIX
Independent or ManipulatedX-axis
Dependent or ResponsiveY-axis
VI. Theory vs. LawA. Theory B. Law1. Patterns observed
repeatedly.2. NOT guesses or
opinions3. Supported by
observations & results and are the “best” explanations that have been found so far
4. Can be change as new data becomes available
1. Rules that describe a pattern in nature
2. DO NOT explain how things work or why they exist or why something happens