Steps of the SCIENTIFIC METHOD:
1. Ask a Question
2. Gather Information
3. Form a Hypothesis
4. Test the Hypothesis
5. Draw Conclusions
6. Report Results
Scientific Laws vs Scientific Theories
Scientific Law: a rule that describes a pattern in nature. Unlike scientific theories (which explain why events occur), a scientific law only explains under what conditions an event will occur. Example: Sir Isaac Newton's law of gravitational force implies that if you drop an object it will fall toward the Earth, but it does not explain why this happens. Scientific Theory: An explanation of observations or events that is based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations. Scientists regularly question scientific theories and test them for validity. A scientific theory is generally accepted as true until it is disproven. Example: The theory that the Earth was the center of the universe was accepted as true until disproven by Nicolaus Copernicus Laws don't explain, they just describe. Theories, on the other hand, they say why. |
Observation vs Inference
Observation is the act of using one or more of your senses to gather information and take note of what occurs.
For example: I OBSERVE a stegosaurus only eating plants.
Inference is a conclusion made from an observation that is drawn from prior knowledge or experience.
For example: I INFER that the stegosaurus is a herbivore because my prior knowledge tells me that if a dinosaur eats only plants then it is an herbivore.
Let's Practice Observations and Inferences with Harry Potter!
Different types of SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATIONS
The purpose of this lab is to practice the scientific method and identifying variables while also learning about two different kinds of scientific investigations: DESCRIPTIVE and EXPERIMENTAL
DESCRIPTIVE investigations do not involve a hypothesis, but they do answer a question. Purpose: to draw conclusions
EXPERIMENTAL investigations do involve a hypothesis as well as answer a question. Purpose: to determine cause & effect relationships
The third kind of scientific investigation is a COMPARATIVE investigation which does include a hypothesis. Purpose: to determine relationships (comparative, not causal).
Remember: Descriptive : Draw Conclusions
Experimental: Cause and Effect
Comparative: Compare and Contrast
Kahoot! Go to getkahoot.com and search for kahoots made by MsBurley and you will find the Kahoot that we did in class (Spongebob Variables). This is a great way for you to practice at home!
Kahoot! Go to getkahoot.com and search for kahoots made by MsBurley and you will find the Kahoot that we did in class (Spongebob Variables). This is a great way for you to practice at home!
Testable Question Classwork/Homework (8/28-8/29)
Variable Definitions:
Independent Variable: The thing the scientist changes (ex. the size of the paper airplanes)
Dependent Variable: The measurable effect caused by the change the experimenter made; the dependent variable depends on the independent variable. (ex. the distance the airplane flew (DV) depended on the size of the paper airplane (IV) )
Hypothesis Method to determine variables: If I change this (IV) then this will result (DV) because explanation.
Control Variable: What the scientist wants to remain constant or unchanged (ex. the height and starting point the planes were launched from, the method of measurement, the person who threw the planes, the force that each plane was thrown with, etc.)
Experimental Group: the group in an experiment that receives the variable being tested. One variable is tested at a time. The experimental group is compared to a control group, which does not receive the test variable.
Control Group: the group in an experiment or study that does not receive treatment by the researchers and is then used as a benchmark to measure how the other tested subjects do.
Independent Variable: The thing the scientist changes (ex. the size of the paper airplanes)
Dependent Variable: The measurable effect caused by the change the experimenter made; the dependent variable depends on the independent variable. (ex. the distance the airplane flew (DV) depended on the size of the paper airplane (IV) )
Hypothesis Method to determine variables: If I change this (IV) then this will result (DV) because explanation.
Control Variable: What the scientist wants to remain constant or unchanged (ex. the height and starting point the planes were launched from, the method of measurement, the person who threw the planes, the force that each plane was thrown with, etc.)
Experimental Group: the group in an experiment that receives the variable being tested. One variable is tested at a time. The experimental group is compared to a control group, which does not receive the test variable.
Control Group: the group in an experiment or study that does not receive treatment by the researchers and is then used as a benchmark to measure how the other tested subjects do.
Identifying Variables Practice with MYTHBUSTERS!
Hypothesis Practice
Hypothesis: a possible explanation for an observation that can be tested by scientific investigations.
Must be in this format: If (I change this -IV)
then (this will result- DV)
because (your explanation based on your observations and prior knowledge).
Hypothesis: a possible explanation for an observation that can be tested by scientific investigations.
Must be in this format: If (I change this -IV)
then (this will result- DV)
because (your explanation based on your observations and prior knowledge).
Here are acronyms to help you remember:
Some Girls Find Turtles Disgustingly Ridiculous
Science Gives Facts That Discover Reality
Some Girls Find Turtles Disgustingly Ridiculous
Science Gives Facts That Discover Reality