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The Scientific Method

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The Scientific Method What it is: Techniques for: Investigating phenomena Acquiring new knowledge Correcting and integrating old knowledge What makes it ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

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Title: The Scientific Method


1
The Scientific Method
2
What it is
  • Techniques for
  • Investigating phenomena
  • Acquiring new knowledge
  • Correcting and integrating old knowledge

3
What makes it scientific
  • In order for conclusions reached by using the
    Scientific Method to be valid the following must
    be true
  • Data has been gathered that is observable,
    measurable and fair (empirical)
  • Data comes from observation and/or
    experimentation

4
  • A hypothesis has been formed
  • A hypothesis has been tested

5
How to use the Scientific Method
  • Procedures vary from one field of science to
    another but all follow a basic pattern
  • First the scientific researcher will propose a
    hypothesis
  • Then an experiment must be designed to test the
    hypothesis

6
  • When an experiment is created it must have steps
    that can be repeated so that when it is done
    again by somebody else the results can be
    predicted

7
Hypothesis vs Theory
  • Hypothesis A suggested explanation for something
    that has been observed
  • Ex
  • Observation My car seat is wet and my window
    was left down
  • Hypothesis

8
  • Theory An explanation that has been well tested
    and confirmed as a general principle helping to
    explain and predict a wide range of similar
    future events. A theory can still be proven wrong
    with enough data
  • Ex The Expanding Earth Theory

9
The Expanding Earth Theory
  • The Theory The Earth is continually getting
    larger, which is why the continents are moving,
    new mountains are formed and why sometimes it
    feels like the earth is moving (up to the early
    1900s)
  • Disproven By Discovery of plate tectonics,
    pictures from space, continental drift theory etc.

10
The Steps of the Scientific Method
  1. Define the question
  2. Gather information and resources (observe)
  3. Form an hypothesis
  4. Perform experiments collect data
  5. Analyze data
  6. Interpret data
  7. Draw conclusions
  8. Publish results

11
The Experimental Method
  • Five steps that must be done when doing an
    experiment
  • Sometimes the order of the steps changes
  • Sometimes a step may be left out
  • It is always possible to go back and do a step
    again

12
Step 1 Observe
  • An interesting natural phenomenon or a problem
    that needs a solution
  • These observations are made using your five
    senses and instruments to extend your senses,
    like a microscope
  • There are two kinds of observations quantitative
    and qualitative

13
Quantitative vs Qualitative
  • Quantitative an observation involving quantities
    that can be expressed in numbers
  • Qualitative an observation that involves
    quality, shape or properties that cannot be
    expressed in numbers

14
Step 2 Develop a Research Question
  • Observations can raise questions
  • When a prediction is made about the answers to
    these questions this becomes the hypothesis
  • A hypothesis can be proven or disproven
  • Ex Question Does dark clothing or light
    clothing get hotter in the sun?
  • Hypothesis Clothing that is dark will get
    hotter than light clothing.

15
Rules for a hypothesis
  • NO PERSONAL PRONOUNS!!!
  • Full sentence(s)
  • Must have a definite, specific prediction
  • Ex The temperature will increase
  • NOT The temperature will change

16
Step 3 Define the Variables
  • Variable Something that can vary or change
  • What will be controlled or monitored during the
    experiment

17
Step 4 Experiment
  • List the steps of the experiment as a procedure
    that is clear enough for someone else to do the
    experiment exactly the same

18
Requirements for a Procedure
  • To write an experimental procedure properly you
    must
  • Choose the equipment and material you need
  • b) Prepare step-by-step instructions that are
    clearly numbered at each step (remember lab
    safety)

19
  • c) Use all the equipment on the list
  • d) Monitor the variables you have selected
  • e) Conduct the experiment following the safety
    rules
  • f) Record all the information you collect

20
Step 5 Analyze and Present the Results
  • Results must be organized and presented
    appropriately
  • Results must include all observations and
    calculated values
  • When analyzing your results you must remember to
    answer the initial question

21
  • If the experiment was appropriate for the
    question(s) your were trying to answer you should
    be able to draw conclusions (answers)
  • This is also where you state any possible errors
    that occurred or what you would do differently
    the next time
  • In the conclusion there are again NO PERSONAL
    PRONOUNS
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