Science Method and Conptt

Scientific Method • What is it? – An objective and logical process by which we ask questions and find answers • Why do we need it? – To promote open and honest exchange of data with others Steps to the Scientific Method: Step 1: Make an observation - Use our senses to take in information about the world around us and ask questions What are the 5 senses? • Taste • Touch • Smell • Hear • See • You must also consider what you already know! Step 2: Formulate a hypothesis - A hypothesis is an educated guess about a scientific question - it is based on what you observe and what you already know Format: “If……then…..because…..” Example: IF the temperature of the water increases THEN the breathing rate of the fish will increase BECAUSE breathing rate is dependent upon temperature. • There are two types of variables: – Independent Variable: variable that is changed during the experiment • Example: water temperature – Dependent Variable: data that is collected through observation and measurement Step 3: Experiment to test hypothesis - There is a control (what naturally happens, what we observe) - There is a variable (what we change and then measure the effects of) Example: Fish need to be in room temperature water (control). How would it affect their breathing rate if we lowered the temperature 10 degrees (variable)? Step 4: Collect and analyze data – Using observations and data, explain what happened at the end of your experiment using: –Data Table –Verbal descriptions about observations –Graphs (line or bar) comparing data of the control and the variable side-by-side • Example: Breathing rate 1 Theory • Step 5: Conclusions – Did your data support your hypothesis? Why or why not? – What did you learn during your experiment? – Identify any possible sources of error. – What would you do differently next time? Mythbusters • Definition: A proposed explanation for a wide variety of observations and experimental results. • For example, the theory of evolution is one way to explain how species changed over time and has been supported by many experiments/ observations. Hypothesis • Definition: A proposed explanation or answer to a scientific question. • Format: If…then…because • For example: If dinosaurs were feathered and had scaled feet, then birds evolved from them because their bodies have very similar features. Other episodes • Answer the questions as we watch this episode of the Mythbusters Six Criteria of Science : Consistent, Observable, Natural, Predictable, Testable, Tentative. "CONPTT" Consistency : The results of observations and/or experiments are reasonably the same when performed and repeated. 1. Green plants will grow towards a light source. 2. Walking under a ladder will cause bad luck. 2 Observability : The event or evidence of the event, can be observed and explained. The observations are limited to the basic human senses or to extensions of the senses. Natural : A natural cause (mechanism) must be used to explain why or how the event happens. 1. Some plants eat meat. 2. Extraterrestrial beings have visited Earth. 1. Green plants convert sunlight into energy. 2. With a rod, Moses parted the sea so his people could cross to the other side.. Predictability : Specific predictions can be used to foretell an event. Each prediction can be tested to determine if the prediction is true of false. Testability : the event must be testable through the processes of science, and controlled experimentation. 1. Without sunlight (or artificial light), green plants will die. 2. If you are a "Scorpio", your horoscope for today is "You'll be saying 'I feel rich !' Lunar position highlights back pay, refunds, correction of accounting error." 1. The Bermuda Triangle causes ships and planes to sink and disappear. 2. Life comes from life and cannot come from non-life. Biology - The study of life Tentativeness : Scientific theories are subject to revision and correction, even to the point of the theory being proven wrong. Scientific theories have been modified and will continue to be modified 1. 2. The number of human chromosomes was once "known" to be 48, but is now considered to be 46. We know that the world began about 6000 years ago, and nothing will change that. • Life is diverse • All living things share certain characteristics: • • • • • Made up of cells Need energy Reproduce Respond to environment Have DNA All living things are interrelated!! 3