scientific method notes - completed...scientific method notes ... variables that remain the same are...

Name: ______________________________ Date: ____________ Period: _______

The Nature of Science

Scientific Method Notes

What does Science mean to you? ________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

What is Science?

• A way or a process used to investigate what is happening around you

More about Science….

• Scientific knowledge is what we know to be true about the natural world

o Based on facts or information supported by observations

� Facts do not change from person to person, it applies everywhere

o Opinion is not proven by observations

� It may be a thought, belief, or judgment

� Changes between people or places

Scientific Inquiry

• The process by which scientists ask and seek answers to their questions

about the natural world

• Scientists begin with a question

• A scientific question is precise and can be answered through observation,

measurement, testing or analysis or research.

• Examples:

o How big is an apple? – Bad because it means many things to many

people

o What is the mass of an average apple? – Good because mass has the

same meaning and can be measured

Can you make 3 observations for each picture?

What is an observation?

• Information you gather with your senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch and

taste

• Can lead to a scientific question

Hypothesis

• An observation can lead a scientist to ask many questions

• This may lead the scientist to a hypothesis

• Hypothesis – a possible answer or tentative solution for a question

o A statement based on logical reasoning, past experience or research

• Format for hypothesis – If…then…

• If (your predicted answer), then (explanation for predicted answer).

• Must haves for a hypothesis:

o Must be based on observations and on logical reasoning

o Must explain a natural phenomenon (event)

o Must be testable through scientific investigation

Scientific Investigation

• Scientific Investigation - A procedure that can be used to check the

hypothesis validity (based on truth)

• Can be as simple as doing research or taking measurements

• May involve an experiment

• Experiment – a procedure designed to test a hypothesis

• An experiment can be used to prove or disprove a hypothesis


• Data – Information collected during a scientific investigation

o May be qualitative or quantitative

• Qualitative – data that is descriptive

o (Round, Heavy)

• Quantitative – data that is numeral

o (57 grams, 32 mililiters)


• Analysis – An interpretation based on research, experience and data

• Conclusion – a review of information collected during a scientific

investigation

Scientific Method

• A series of organized steps that scientists use a guide for answering a

question or solving a problem

o Collect Observations

o Ask a Question

o Form a Hypothesis

o Test your prediction (Experiment)

o Analyze your data

o Draw conclusions

Was your hypothesis supported?

• After an experiment you can check to is if your hypothesis was:

o Supported – hypothesis proven true

o Refuted – hypothesis was not supported

Scientific Theory

• Many hypothesis that are supported and related can come together to form a

theory

• A scientific theory is an idea or model used to explain known facts and

predict new ones

o Theories are tested many times

o Supported by evidence

o Accepted by the scientific community

Information on Graphing

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

30 60 90 120

Inches

Minutes

x-axis

y-axis

Name: _______________________________ Date: ________ Period: _____________

Nature of Science

Designing and Conducting Investigations

Designing and Conducting an Experiment

� To test a hypothesis, scientists often design and conduct a controlled

experiment.

› Controlled experiment - An experiment in which only one factor or

variable is being tested at a time.

› Variable – Something that may change, or vary, in an experiment.

Types of Variables

� Independent

› Changed or manipulated by the experimenter

› Can be called the manipulated variable

› When graphing – along the x-axis

� Dependent

› The result you get from changing the independent variable, or what

is being measured in the experiment

› Depends on or responds to changes in the independent variable

› Can be called the responding variable

› When graphing – along the y-axis

� Example

� A scientist might want to know if a particular type of plant will grow

taller in larger pots.

› Independent variable – size of the pot

› Dependent variable – height of the plant

Constants

� Variables that remain the same are called constants.

› Example: At the beginning of the experiment, bacteria A & B were

treated with different antibiotics. The control dish did not receive any

antibiotic. All factors (temperature, time, food) remained constant

(the same) except for antibiotic.

� Examples

� How does salt affect water’s freezing point?

› Independent – Amount of water in salt

› Dependent – Freezing temperature

� Which fertilizer grows the largest apples?

› Independent – Type of fertilizer

› Dependent – Volume or mass of the apples

Groups

� A good experiment will include a control group and an experimental

group.

› Control group – Represents normal conditions for the experiment. (Not

treated)

› Experimental group – Identical conditions to those of the control

group except that it experiences a change in the independent

variable.

Comparisons

Control Group Experimental Group

Definition Standard set-up used

to compare the

experimental results.

Same conditions as

control, except for a

change in the variable

being tested.

Variables Variables NOT

manipulated

Only tested variable

changed

Example Four eggs put in an

incubator at 29◦C, 70%

humidity, in low light.

Identical conditions as

the control group, but

temperature is 35◦C.

Rules

� Change only one variable at a time

� Reason

› If you change two variables then it is unclear which variable affected

the dependent variable

� Example: Pot size and height of plant

› If you change the size of the pot and the amount of water which

one affected the plant’s height?

Collecting Data and Stating a Conclusion

� Data – information collected through scientific research

� Scientists will analyze or evaluate data

� They will then compare results to original hypothesis

� This allows scientists to form a conclusion

› Conclusion – an interpretation based on research, experience and

data

Conclusion

� The conclusion should take both independent and dependent variable

into account.

� Example: Conclusion – Mrs. Everhart weighed her garden zucchini on

three different days and determined the longer growth period allowed for

larger zucchini.

Day Weight

July 1 7 grams

July 5 10 grams

July 10 14 grams

Checking your Results

� To be sure your results are valid, you need to conduct several trials of the

experiment.

� Multiple trials mean that an unusual outcome will not be considered the

result.

� The more trials performed using the same methods means the results will

be more reliable and repeatable.

� The number of trials depends on time, space and material you have for

the experiment.

Conclusion

� By looking at the graph you can conclude that as time increases, the

weight of the zucchini also increases.

� This conclusion relates the independent variable (time) to the dependent

variable (weight).

0

5

10

15

1-Jul 3-Jul 5-Jul 7-Jul 9-Jul

Day

Weight (in grams)

Mrs. Everhart’s Zucchini Growth Over Ten Days

Return to Hypothesis

� Scientists use the conclusion to determine if their hypothesis was

supported.

� If the hypothesis was not supported or if a conclusion could not be

reached the scientist will repeat or change the experiment.

Communicate your results

� Share your results with others

� Scientists learn from each other’s experiments

› Even if the experiment did not obtain the correct results

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Name: ___________________________ Date: ___________ Period: ____________

Using models

S8.A.3.2

GETTING THE IDEA

� Scientists need to present data in an organized way

� So it is easier to study and understand

� Scientists may use the following ways to study information

� Diagram

� Computer simulations

� 3-D replica

A Model in Science

� Model – a representation of something that can be used to show or explain

how it functions

� Can be used to represent some important properties of an object or

system

� Models can help scientists test hypotheses, evaluate data, and make

predictions

Common Uses of Models

� To shrink something very large to a more manageable size

� To enlarge something that is very small

� To show size relationships or scale easily

� To demonstrate how objects interact in space

� To demonstrate how objects interact over time

Models

� Models of an object can be:

� Enlarged

� Reduced

� Simplified

� Example: Model of the solar system would show the names of planets, and

relative distances from the sun

� Therefore a person would realize Jupiter is farther away from the sun

than Earth

Model of the Solar System

Types of Models

� Diagram – a 2-D model

� Useful for showing parts of a system and location for one another

� Use the diagram on the next slide to learn the parts of a microscope

Microscope

� How do microscopes work?

� Magnification in a microscope occurs in the eyepiece and objective

� If the eyepiece has a magnification of 10x and the objective lens has a

magnification of 43x then:

� Total magnification = eyepiece x objective

� Total magnification = 10x times 43x = 430x

Label the following microscope

Diagrams

� Diagrams are models for showing structures that cannot be observed

directly

� Example: A diagram for the interior of Earth

Problems with Models

� Models do not show how things work

� Example: You would not know how to use the microscope by looking at a

picture of the microscope

3-Dimensional Models

� Scientists often use clay, paper, wood, plastic or other materials to build

models

� Example: Crash test dummies were built to show how humans would

react to a car crash without injuring humans

▪ This allowed scientists to build safer cars and seat belts

DNA

� Watson and Crick made a model of DNA from wire and paper

� DNA – the chemical that makes up the genetic material in every living

organism

� The model helped scientists to understand how DNA functions

� DNA

Computer Models

� Computer Models help to predict the weather and earthquakes, test nuclear

weapons, train airplane pilots, and help design drugs to treat disease

� Computer Simulations are common interactive models that allow people to

experience different conditions

Name: _________________________________ Date: ______________ Period: _______ Problem Solving Identifying Change & Its Cause

S8.A.1.2 S8.A.1.3

Getting the Idea… � Society creates a demand for new scientific knowledge & technology. � Each new development offers society both benefits and risks. Science and Solutions � Science, engineers, designers and others use scientific knowledge to solve

problems or make life easier in some way. � Examples

� Computers – a programmable device that is capable of storing data or executing commands

� Society changed with the invention of the computer � Increased workplace function by sharing documents, typing, and made

business more efficient. Solving Problems � Robots – a mechanical device that automatically does the job for which it is

designed � Can be used for repetitious jobs or tasks that might be too dangerous for

humans. � Examples: Industry work on assembly lines, search and rescue, bomb

disposal and hazardous waste management � Bionics – the use of human-made devices to replace body parts or organs

� Can be prostheses – artificial body parts that replace damaged or missing limbs or other structures � Examples: artificial legs and arms, ear implants, and replacement joints,

artificial heart � Computer brain interface – on a patient that has lost their arm

� Place an electrode in the brain that controls arm and hand movement during surgery

� This electrode is connected to a wire that is connected to a computer � The computer is connected to a robotic arm � The person thinks about moving their own arm and then the robotic arm

makes the movements Science and Technology � Technology – the application of science to everyday life

� Applying scientific knowledge to solve practical problems or fill needs that arise

� Technology makes tasks quick and easy � Examples: I-pad, I-pod, cell phones and wireless internet

Impacts of Science and Technology � Technology has both risks and benefits

� Risk – how new developments might negatively affect the environment or create unsafe conditions for people

� Benefits – ways new developments meet the needs of society � Examples: Horse drawn carriage to “smart” electric cars

� Electric cars help reduce pollution that causes acid rain, increased carbon dioxide

� Risk benefit analysis – process of weighing the potential harm a development in science or technology may cause against its benefits

Mosquito Pesticide Benefits and Risks

Benefits Risks

Fewer cases of malaria Poison air and water

Lower health care costs Can kill other animals

Reduce suffering Can lead to resistant strains of malaria

Unintended Benefits and Risks � Nuclear technology led to nuclear reactors to produce electricity to power tools

and appliances � Benefit: Electrical power is generated, reduces air pollution compared to

burning fossil fuels � Risks: Accidents can cause severe injury and death

Discussion � What is one example of technology that affects your life? � Explain how the technology solves some problem or fills a need in your life.

Identify Change and Its Causes Getting the Idea � Scientists make observations and identify ways in which things change and stay

the same � Example: Icebergs – are they growing, melting or staying the same?

� Once scientists identify the change then they can find out what causes the change.

Identifying and Describing Change � To identify change, scientists observe, collect evidence, and measure � To measure and describe change, they use numbers and ratios � A ratio is a statement that compares two different numbers

� Examples: fractions and percentages � In a group of 8 flowers, 2 died. You can write this as

2/8 or ¼ or .25 0.25 x 100 = 25%

• Summary – 25% of the total number of trees died Density � Expressed as a ratio � Amount of mass in a volume of matter � Water’s density as a liquid = 1 gram/1 cubic centimeter � Water’s density as ice = 0.9 g/cm3 Speed � The distance an object travels per unit of time

� Speed = distance / time � Example: A storm that travels 50 kilometers over the land in 2 hours has the

following speed: 50 km/2 h = 25 km/h

� Speed is an example of a kind of ratio called rate � Rate is a ratio that compares the change in two different quantities, or the change

in one quantity divided by the corresponding change in another quantity Evidence and Causes of Change � We can see change in the environment. � Scientists can collect information about a population – all the organisms of the

same species that inhabit a specific ecosystem � Population size – total number of individual organisms of a kind in an

environment

� Example: There are 100 deer in a forest, the population size of deer is 100 Evidence and Causes of Change � Population density – number of individuals within a given area

Number of animals / Area � 100 deer in 1 km2

� Many factors can change population density – such as food, water, and shelter available � More resources = higher population � Less resources = less population

Changes in Population Density � Decreases in a population

� Disease � New animal in area (competitor) � Natural Events – hurricane, tornado, flood, fire

Example Questions � Which quantity is an example of a rate of change?

� ¾ � 75% � 1.0 grams � 25 km/h

Examples Questions � Which example represents the population density of one of the organisms

shown? � 3 trees � 19 deer � 19 deer per 1 km2

� 19 deer per 1 km Example Questions � The population size of rabbits in an area changed from 19 to 2 within one day.

Which event most likely caused this change? � Disaster such as a flood � Animal that hunts rabbits moving out of the area � Animal that hunts rabbits moving into the area � A decrease in food that rabbits eat

Name: ____________________________________ Date: __________ Period: _____ Systems and their Parts

S8.A.3.1

Getting the Idea… � Everything is apart of something bigger. � You are apart of a family… � Your family is apart of a town… � Your town is part of a city… � And so on!!! Understanding Systems � Systems are a collection of things or parts that interact with each other to function

as a whole � Example: Ocean is a system with many parts that interact and function as a

whole � The ocean includes fish, plankton, water, air and sunlight

▪ Plankton – tiny organisms that float on the water Changes in a system… � A change in one part of the system can cause changes in other parts of the

system � Example: Pollution can kill plankton

▪ The fish that eat plankton will die as a result of lack of food

▪ Eventually bigger fish will lose their food source and starve Input and Output � Output – any information that comes out of a system � Input – information comes into a system

� Example: If you are playing a guitar the sound that the guitar makes is called an output, your strumming the guitar is the input

� Example: Baking – cake mix is the input, your final product the cake is the output

Input and Output

Feedback � Feedback – information about the system’s operation that is introduced back into

the system � One change affects the entire system

InputSystem

ProcessOutput

Types of Systems � Open loop system – One that does not have feedback and can modify itself� Closed system – has feedback and can modify itself� A system can also be a cycle

� In a cycle something happens over and The Water Cycle

� Water can exist as a solid (ice), a liquid, or as a gas (water vapor). � These forms move through the environment through the water cycle. � The water cycle is an unending circulation process powered by the sun that

distributes water throughout the Earth.Are we worried about water?

Yes or no. Why? If there’s so much water…

� Why are water shortages a problem?� 97% of the Earth’s water is � Only 3 % is freshwater� Of that 3% of freshwater, 77% is frozen in the ice caps/glaciers!� 22% is found in the ground.� Only 1% is surface water; found in lakes, rivers, ponds, and the

atmosphere.

Feedback

System

Process

Input

One that does not have feedback and can modify itselfhas feedback and can modify itself

A system can also be a cycle In a cycle something happens over and over

Water can exist as a solid (ice), a liquid, or as a gas (water vapor).

These forms move through the environment through the water cycle.

The water cycle is an unending circulation process powered by the sun that hroughout the Earth.

If there’s so much water… Why are water shortages a problem?

97% of the Earth’s water is salt water! Only 3 % is freshwater Of that 3% of freshwater, 77% is frozen in the ice caps/glaciers!22% is found in the ground. Only 1% is surface water; found in lakes, rivers, ponds, and the

Feedback

Output

System

Process

One that does not have feedback and can modify itself

Water can exist as a solid (ice), a liquid, or as a gas (water vapor).

These forms move through the environment through the water cycle.

The water cycle is an unending circulation process powered by the sun that

Of that 3% of freshwater, 77% is frozen in the ice caps/glaciers!

Only 1% is surface water; found in lakes, rivers, ponds, and the

Where’s the Water? � Imagine….drinking a cool glass of water – ah….where did that water come from? � Much of our water has been on earth since the Earth was first formed. � Water is considered a renewable resource. � Water is endlessly cycled through the water cycle.

The Water Cycle The processes involved in the water cycle. • Evaporation occurs when the heat of the sun’s energy converts water on the

surface from liquid to gas. Most evaporation takes place in the oceans.

• Condensation takes place when the water vapor cools enough to return to a liquid or solid state. Clouds are made out of condensed water vapor.

• Precipitation occurs when liquid (rain) or solid (snow & hail) water falls to Earth. • Transpiration occurs when plants release water vapor from their leaves into the

air. • Runoff is the water that flows into streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds. (Surface

water) • Infiltration/Percolation occurs when rain and melting snow seep into the

ground. (Ground water) • Did you remember how much of the Earth’s fresh water is stored in the ground?

Systems within Systems � Often a large system will include smaller subsystems.

� Example: Your body is a large system that includes many smaller organ systems.

� Small systems that are part of a larger system are called subsystems. Body Organization

Levels of Organization � Organism – living thing

� Largest � Organ systems – Organs that work together

� Organ – tissues that work together � Tissue – Cells that work together � Cells – have different body functions

� Smallest Changes in the system � A change in one subsystem can change the entire system � A car that is broken down on the parkway can slow traffic for several miles � Just like a person who smokes slows down their respiratory system, narrows

blood vessels and has a difficult time exercising

Name: _________________________________ Date: _____________ Period: ______________

Identifying Patterns

S8.A.3.3

Getting the idea…

� Scientists look for recurring structures, events and processes known as patterns

� Examples of patterns include crystals, tree rings, seasons and phases of the moon

Patterns of Structure & Change

� A pattern is a thing or process that repeats itself

� Many repeating patterns occur in nature

� One example is the reoccurring shapes and veins in

plant leaves

Leaves

� All leaves from trees of the same type have the same

recurring leaf structure

� All leaves of the same tree will have the same leaves

Crystals

� Another type of pattern in nature is a crystal.

� A crystal is a solid structure made up a repeating arrangement of atoms.

� Crystals form when liquids such as magma or salt water cool slowly or evaporate.

Atoms

� Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter that make up

everyday objects.

� A desk, the air, even you are made up of atoms!

� Protons (+) and neutrons (0) make up the nucleus.

� Electrons (-) make up the electron cloud.

Types of Crystals

� Isometric

� Orthorhombic

� Triclinic

� Tetragonal

� Monoclinic

� Hexagonal

Daily Patterns

� Every day the sun rises in the east

� We then have daytime

� The sun then sets in the west

� We then have nighttime

� This pattern of sunrise and sunset repeats itself every 24 hours.

Patterns at Night

� The way part of the moon is illuminated by the Sun appears to change during one 28-

day cycle is called lunar phases.

� Phases of the moon change in a certain order each month and then the pattern starts all

over again

Patterns in growth

� Trees grow new wood, the wood forms a pattern of tree rings

� You can then see the rings in the trunk of a tree that has been cut down

� The rings look like concentric circles

� Each year a tree grows one new ring just under the bark

Tree Rings

� Each ring has two sections

� A light ring grows in the spring

� Then in summer and fall a darker section of the ring forms

scientific method notes - completed...scientific method notes ... variables that remain the same are...

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