the scientific method the inquiry process biology 2014

The Scientific Method

The Inquiry ProcessBiology 2014

Some Examples of Science

Childbed Fever Case StudyA quick experiment (bbt)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7sSuhQ1_24

Semmelweis, part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6-

FjtpdePA&list=UUcU30z0_rIGAerTkLaxpctQ

Steps of the Scientific Method

1.Problem2.Background3.Hypothesis4.Experiment5.Analysis6.Conclusion


1. Problem Get curious! Create a question Identify the variables (1 manipulated, 1

responding & 3+ controlled)

TESTABLE QUESTION: How does changing the ____MV____

affect the ____ RV ____?

Variables

Manipulated variable (aka independent variable): what is changed on purpose

Responding variable (aka dependent variable): the measured response

Controlled variables: what stays the same throughout the experimentThis should include any factor that is not the

MV or RV


2. Background Research what is known about any aspect

of the problem Science behind the subject How to carry out procedures Finding out what experiments have already

been conducted and their results


3. Hypothesis If = mv, then = what would happen to the

rv, because = your rationale.If the ____MV____ increases

then the ____ RV ____ will increase / decrease / stay the same

because ___give your reasoning here___.


4. Experiment Materials & Methods (mv) Methods to prevent errors & minimize

doubt (cvs) Collect data (rv)


5. Analysis Report data Determine high and low values Organize data in a graph Discuss errors

How did they impact the results How could those errors be minimized in the

future?


6. Conclusion Restate problem (direct or paraphrase) Support or reject hypothesis Support Statement with Evidence

Make a relationship statement between the MV and the RV… This is where you ANSWER THE testable QUESTION!!!

Refer to key data (use at least two items for comparison) Discuss errors

How did they impact the results How could those errors be minimized in the future?

Next steps & application How can these findings be applied to real life? What question would you be curious to test next?

Semmelweis, part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T73PYNyyeiI

Feynman’s explanation of the scientific method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYPapE-3FRw

Observation vs. Inference

What is the difference between an observation and an inference?

When should you document observations in a lab write-up compared to an inference?

Observation vs. Inference

Observations are made using your 5 senses DATA Examples: a red shirt, a flat & smooth surface,

2:20pm Inferences are conclusions that you make,

based on your observations ANALYSIS CONCLUSION Examples: a person likes red because they are

wearing a red shirt; a toy car will run smoothly because it is on a flat & smooth surface; school is out because it is 2:20pm

Two Types of Observations

Quantitative observations: results are measureable and are made with instruments such as rulers, balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, and thermometers. Examples: 100°C17 people54 grapes9.65 cm

Two Types of Observations

Qualitative observations: results are made by using your senses (sight, smell, touch, taste and hearing). Examples:The flame is blue It smells like lemon It feels roughThat was a soft thud It tastes sweet

Practice!!!

Indicate whether the following observations are quantitative or qualitative.

1. It is light green in color. 2. It taste sour. 3. One leaf is 9 cm long. 4. It makes a loud pop sound. 5. The mass of the computer is 1 1/2 kg.6. It smells sweet. 7. The temperature of the room increases by 8 degrees C. 8. It gets darker over a period of time.9. The flower clusters in 3 blooms. 10. The plant is short. 11. Leaves are brittle. 12. The veins are 3 mm wide.

Variables

Manipulated: Variations of m.v. (at least 4)

Responding: Controlled:

1.

2.

3.

An Issue with Control

Same word, two different concepts…Controlled variables: variables that

stay constant through the experimentExperimental control / Control group:

the mv that is most “normal”. The EC acts as a baseline so that you can compare all of your other results to it.

A Controlled Experiment

KNOW THIS!!!

A controlled experiment should have:Only ONE manipulated variable to

determine its impact on the RVExperiment with properly controlled

variables so that only the MV changes An experimental control to compare all of

your other results to

Testable Question

How does changing the ____MV____ affect the ____ RV ____?

Hypothesis

If the ____MV____ increases

then the ____ RV ____ will increase / decrease / stay the same

because ___give your reasoning here___.

Experiment

Materials Give a detailed list of the items used Include how much / many and sizes used

Methods Explain each step of the process thoroughly and

clearly Establish which mv variation will act as your

experimental control / baseline Describe how you will keep all of the c.v.s constant

throughout the experiment Get my initials on your paper before you

conduct the experiment!!!

Data

m.v. variations

Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3

1 tsp. of soap

2 tsp. of soap

3 tsp. of soap

4 tsp. of soap

Analysis

Calculate the average diameter for each test. Create a graph, showing the results from your

experiment Put the m.v.’s on the x-axis, label & include units Put the r.v.’s on the y-axis, label & include units

Title the graph “The effect of different ___MV___ on the ___ RV ___”

Plot your data

Conclusion

Restate problem (direct or paraphrase) Support or reject hypothesis Make a relationship statement between the MV and

the RV… ANSWER THE QUESTION!!! Refer to key data (use at least two items for

comparison) Discuss errors (at least 2… they DO exist!!!) How did each error impact the results? How could those errors be minimized in the future? Next steps & application How can these findings be applied to real life? What question would you present to be answered in a future

experiment, based on what you learned or what sparked your interest from this investigation?

the scientific method the inquiry process biology 2014

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