A NEW SPECIES WAS DISCOVERED IN THE DESERT NEAR MANZANILLO, MEXICO. WHAT THE #%^!@ IS IT?

A NEW SPECIES WAS DISCOVERED IN THE DESERT NEAR MANZANILLO, MEXICO.

WHAT THE #%^!@ IS IT?

Observations:

Observations:

Observations:

Observations:

Observation

Info gathered in a careful, orderly way. Can be qualitative or quantitative.

Quantitative Observations

• 6.8 inches long

• 0.5 - 1 inch wide

• 6 legs + 2 antennae

• 2 “claws”

• 0 fangs/stingers

• 2 body segments

Info that can be counted/measured. Memory trick: “quantity”. Ex: length, weight, number of legs, etc.

Qualitative Observations

Info that cannot be counted. Memory trick: “quality.” Ex: color, shape, location, behavior.

• Non-aggressive

• Native to Mexico (caves)

• Dull brownish-black

• Color “banding” on legs

Inference• Dull colors (camouflage)

• Non-aggressive

• 0 fangs/stingers

• Two pinching “claws”

• Inference: not poisonous.

A logical guess based on observation. Not a fact, because it has not been tested with an experiment.

Observation vs. Inference

Make some quantitative and qualitative observations based on this photo.

Observation vs. Inference

Based on your observations, make an inference.

An inference is a possible idea, NOT a fact!

After doing an investigation, you may uncover information that contradicts your inference.

By watching commercials, a nerd observes that women go crazy for guys that wear body spray.

The nerd infers that body spray probably attracts women.

He decides to investigate the idea using the scientific method.

Scientific Method

An organized way to investigate an idea. 6 steps; repeatable by other scientists.

Ask a QUESTION

BACKGROUND RESEARCH

Devise a HYPOTHESIS

Conduct EXPERIMENT

Analyze DATA and draw CONCLUSION

REPORT RESULTS

=

Question

Step 1 of the SM. Based on inference.

Do male body sprays really attract women?

Background Research

Step 2; info collected BEFORE forming a hypothesis. Narrows down possibile hypotheses.

Hypothesis

Step 3; a possible idea, not yet tested. Must be TESTABLE in the real world.

+ =

Experiment

Step 4; a way of testing the hypothesis.

+

Data

Step 5; Info collected during an experiment. Can be Quant. or Qual.

N = 12

Conclusion

Also step 5; whether hypothesis is supported or not. Based on data. MUST include the word “hypothesis.”

+ =

Report Results

Step 6; to make the results of an experiment public so that other scientists can repeat it.

NERD NEWS

AXE BODY

SPRAY TOTALLY

WORKS!Nerds around

the world

overjoyed,

slightly

nervous.Axe Body

Spray sales at

all-time high!Our new

leader.

Theory

A hypothesis that has been tested many times under different conditions (“Well-supported.”) Must get same results each time.

Hypothesis vs. Theory

Tested once: a supported hypothesisTested many times with same results: a theory

If hypothesis is supported – go to step 6 (report results)

Ask a QUESTION

BACKGROUND RESEARCH

Devise a HYPOTHESIS

Conduct EXPERIMENT

Analyze DATA and draw CONCLUSION

REPORT RESULTS

If hypothesis is not supported – GO BACK TO STEP #3

You need a new hypothesis, not a new question!

Ask a QUESTION

BACKGROUND RESEARCH

Devise a HYPOTHESIS

Conduct EXPERIMENT

Analyze DATA and draw CONCLUSION

REPORT RESULTS

Does fertilizer really help plants grow?

Plant A Plant B

Controlled Experiment

Experiment in which only ONE variable is changed.

Plant A Plant B

All other variables are controlled (kept the same).

Manipulated Variable

The variable in a controlled experiment that is not controlled(not kept the same)

X

There is only ONE MV to avoid experimental error.

Responding Variable

Variable that is measured/counted.

Plant A Plant B

“Responds” to the MV.

Controlled Variables

Variables that are kept the same.

There always will be many CV’s.

On your graphic organizer, write short definitions for each variable. Then, identify the MV, RV, and CV’s in

the sunflower experiment.

Manipulated variable: fertilizer

Responding variable: growth of plants

On your graphic organizer, write short definitions for each variable. Then, identify the MV, RV, and CV’s in

the sunflower experiment.

Controlled variables: sunlight, water, type of plant, same ruler, etc.

On your graphic organizer, write short definitions for each variable. Then, identify the MV, RV, and CV’s in

the sunflower experiment.

Controlled Axe Experiment - Two Nerds

Nerd A Nerd B

Controlled Axe Experiment - Two Nerds

Nerd A Nerd BManipulated variable:

Axe spray

Controlled Axe Experiment - Two Nerds

Nerd A Nerd BResponding variable:

Number of kisses

Controlled Axe Experiment - Two Nerds

Nerd A Nerd B

Controlled variables:

Same appearance, clothing, personality/charm, hygiene; same party with same girls;

same time of night

Does fertilizer really help plants grow?

Experimental Error

False results that occur when there is more than one MV.

Is it a Controlled Experiment?

Nerd A Nerd B

Not a controlled experiment – there is more than one MV

Is it a Controlled Experiment?

Nerd A Nerd B

No – there is no MV!

#40

What will the manipulated and responding variables be?

Spontaneous Generation

The belief that life can arise from nonliving matter. Disproved by Redi using a controlled experiment.

Redi’s Spontaneous Generation Experiment

Maggots appear No maggots

1. State Redi’s hypothesis (correct format).

Maggots appear No maggots

2. Identify the responding variable.

Maggots appear No maggots

3. Identify the manipulated variable.

Maggots appear No maggots

4. Identify two variables that were controlled.

Maggots appear No maggots

5. State Redi’s conclusion.

Maggots appear No maggots

6. Explain why this would not be a controlled experiment if one jar contained chicken.

Maggots appear No maggots

1. State Redi’s hypothesis (correct format).

Maggots appear No maggots

If the jar is covered, then no maggots will appear.

2. Identify the responding variable.

Maggots appear No maggots

Appearance of maggots.

3. Identify the manipulated variable.

Maggots appear No maggots

Gauze cover.

4. Identify two variables that were controlled.

Maggots appear No maggots

Type of meat, size of meat, type of jar, location.

5. State Redi’s conclusion.

Maggots appear No maggots

His hypothesis was correct.

6. Explain why this would not be a controlled experiment if one jar contained chicken.

Maggots appear No maggotsThere would be more than one MV.

Line Graph

Shows change over a period of time. Change = y-axis; time = x axis.

Bar Graph

Shows comparison between different groups or categories.

Control Group

Does not receive the MV. Needed for comparison.

1. State the researcher’s hypothesis.If aspirin is added to the soil, then the roses will grow faster.

What you do What you measure

Bar Graph – Results of Axe Experiment

Nu

mb

er o

f S

mil

es

Per. 1 Per. 2 Per. 3 Per. 4 Per. 6

Red: With AxeBlue: Without Axe

Conclusion: according to data, hypothesis NOT supported