Scientific Methods

Scientific Method: an organized plan/process for gathering, organizing, and communicating information.

Science is based on EVIDENCE! Evidence = observations, measurements, data collected from experiments.

Observations /Data

Qualitative: descriptions using words or sketches

Quantitative: includes measurements (#s)

· Hypothesis: predicted outcome of an experiment. How will the independent variable affect the dependent variable?

· Written in “if / then” format.· If (independent variable) …then

(expected outcome with dependent variable)

Scientific Methods Testing a hypothesis = experiment

A good experiment tests only one variable. variable – anything that can change during an experiment

Dependent (Responding) variable: the variable that changes in response to the manipulated var.; THE RESULTS

Independent (Manipulated) variable: the variable that causes a change in another; The condition YOU change when you set up the exper.

Constants/controls: conditions that are kept the same during experimentControl Group: group that is NOT experimented on/ “natural” condition used for comparison.

Claim: Organic produce is healthier for you.

Link:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/09/04/organic-food-health-produce-food_n_1853995.html

Claim: Organic produce is healthier for you

Sketch out and explain how you would scientifically determine if organic food could be used as a treatment for heart disease?• Test subjects?• Groupings?• Test conditions?• What would you measure? Keep track of?• How will you know if organic food is

healthier?

Identify the following components of your experiment:• Hypothesis in “If/then” format• Independent variable• Dependent variable• Constant conditions (controls)• Control group

Link to Discover Magazine article:http://discovermagazine.com/2012/jun/03-snake-oil-cures-for-damaged-hearts/?searchterm=snake oil

Can snake blood be used to treat cardiovascular disease?

Sketch out and explain how you would scientifically determine if proteins in snake blood could be used as a treatment for heart disease?• Test subjects?• Groupings?• Test conditions?• What would you measure? Keep track of?• How will you know if snake blood is effective?

Link to Discover Magazine article:http://discovermagazine.com/2012/jun/03-snake-oil-cures-for-damaged-hearts/?searchterm=snake oil

Can proteins in snake blood be used to build muscle and treat heart disease?

Sketch out and explain how you would scientifically determine if proteins in snake blood could be used as a treatment for heart disease?

Identify the following components of your experiment:• Hypothesis in “If/then” format• Independent variable• Dependent variable• Constant conditions (controls)• Control group• What will you measure to answer the question?

• Enlarged Heart