Scientific Method Review

Branches of ScienceLife

ScienceEarth

SciencePhysical Science

Biology

Study of all living things

Study of earth

Landforms, rocks, soil, and forces shaping earths surface

Chemistry

Physics

Study interactions of matter and energy

What are the steps to the Scientific Method?

1. Observation (using the 5 senses)2. Ask a question3. Hypothesize & predict4. Test hypothesis (Experiment)

1. Materials2. Procedures3. Data (journal, pictures, charts)

5. Analyze results6. Draw conclusions7. Communicate results8. Further scientific inquiry9. A successful hypothesis becomes a Scientific

Theory.

Designing a Controlled Experiment

A controlled experiment works with one variable at a time. If several variables were changed at the same time, the scientist would not know which variable was responsible for the observed results.

In a “controlled experiment” only one variable is changed at a time. All other variables should be unchanged or “controlled”.

Match the definitions:

Variable

Independent Variable

Dependent Variable

a. The factor you want to test/changed by the investigator

b. The factor you observe or measure during an experiment.

c. A factor that can have more than one value

c

a

b

What are Scientific Theory & Scientific Law?Scientific Theory

•An explanation of events that is based on repeated observations and investigations.•If information does not support theory, it will be modified or rejected•Attempts to explain why something happens•More complex than a scientific law and contains many well supported hypothesis

Scientific Law •Observations of similar events that have been observed repeatedly•If observations do not follow a law, it is not a law•States that something will happen•Contains one well supported hypothesis that states something will happen

Distinguish between fact & opinion?

Fact A measurement observation, or statement that can be strictly defined.

Opinion A personal view, feeling, or claim about a topic.

Distinguish between description& explanation?

DescriptionA spoken or written summary of an observation

ExplanationAn interpretation (explain the meaning of) of observations

What is a Significant digit?

What is the name of the system of measurements adopted by Scientists

called?The International System of Units (SI)

The number of digits in a measurement that you know with a degree of certainty.

How do Scientist benefit from SI?

It allows all scientists throughout the world to share results using the same measurements

Helps to avoid any confusion

Metric Units

What causes measurement uncertainty?

When we measure an object, we want to know how close this value is to the true value.

The tools used to take measurements can limit the accuracy of measurements.

All measurements have some uncertainty

Which measurement is more accurate?

✔

7th grade only!

Accuracy: a measure of how close a measurement is to the true value of the quantity being measured

Precision: a measure of how close a series of measurements are to one another. A measure of how exact a measurement is.

Accuracy & Precision

Precision without Accuracy

No Precision & No Accuracy

Accuracy without Precision

7th grade only!

Meanthe average of a set of data. To calculate the mean, find the sum of the data and then divide by the number of data

Median

the middle number in a set of data when the data is arranged from least to greatest.

Mode

the number that occurs the most.

Range

the difference between the largest and the smallest number in the set.

6th grade only!

Scientific Tools

Journal: used to record observations, questions , hypothesis, data, and conclusions

Rulers/meter sticks: measure lengths & distances

Glassware: hold, pour, and take precise measurement of liquids

Triple beam balance: measures mass of an object

Thermometer: measures the temperature of a substance

Computer: collect, organize, and store information about a research topic or scientific investigation

Internet: research data, analyze information, share resultsMicroscope: helps you observe small objects that cannot be observed with just eyes

Scientific Tools used by Earth Scientists

Binoculars: view faraway objects more clearly

Compass: used to navigate by showing magnetic north

Wind Vane: shows direction of the wind

Anemometer: measures wind speed

Streak plate: piece of hard, unglazed porcelain that helps identify minerals 6th grade only!

Scientific Tools used by Life Scientists

Magnifying Lens: a handheld lens that magnifies, or enlarges, objjects.

Slide: a thin rectangular piece of glass that is needed for specimens to view in a microscope.

Dissecting tools: sharp scalpels or scissors used to examine organs, or prepared organisms.

Pipette : a small glass or plastic tube used to draw up and transfer liquid.

7th grade only!