Notes on the Scientific Method Unit 1: The Nature of Science

Notes on the Notes on the Scientific MethodScientific Method

Unit 1:Unit 1:The The

Nature Nature of of

ScienceScience

Benchmarks:Benchmarks:Generate scientific questions based on Generate scientific questions based on observations, investigations, and research.observations, investigations, and research.Design and conduct scientific Design and conduct scientific investigations.investigations.Use tools and equipment appropriate to Use tools and equipment appropriate to scientific investigations.scientific investigations.Identify patterns in dataIdentify patterns in dataDraw conclusions from sets of data from Draw conclusions from sets of data from multiple trials of a scientific investigation.multiple trials of a scientific investigation.

1. Make 1. Make ObservationsObservationsA good scientist notices the A good scientist notices the

world and becomes curious.world and becomes curious.Identify a problem to be Identify a problem to be

studied.studied.

Gather InformationGather InformationResearch what others have Research what others have

done.done.Science is cumulative Science is cumulative

(it builds on previous (it builds on previous discoveries). discoveries).

2. Form a Hypothesis2. Form a HypothesisA potential answer.A potential answer.A prediction.A prediction.NOTNOT a guess (if you have to a guess (if you have to

guess go back to the last guess go back to the last step!) step!)

3. Experiment3. ExperimentIdentify the dependent and Identify the dependent and

independent variables.independent variables. IndependentIndependent variablevariable is the is the

one the scientist is in charge one the scientist is in charge of; what is being tested.of; what is being tested.

DependentDependent variablevariable is the is the results; changes in results; changes in response to the response to the independent variable.independent variable.

Control GroupControl GroupPlan the controlPlan the controlThe control is a group The control is a group

that does not get any that does not get any

treatment. It is used treatment. It is used for for comparison comparison

Record DataRecord DataWrite down EVERYTHING!Write down EVERYTHING!The Data is your proof.The Data is your proof.

Quantitative data involves Quantitative data involves numbers and units. numbers and units.

Quantity = how manyQuantity = how manyUse tools to gatherUse tools to gather

ExamplesExamples:: The plant was 123 cm tallThe plant was 123 cm tallThe fish tank held 40 gallons The fish tank held 40 gallons of waterof waterThe temperature rose 5The temperature rose 5° C° C

Types of DataTypes of Data

Qualitative data is a description. Qualitative data is a description. Quality = a featureQuality = a featureUse senses to gather.Use senses to gather.

ExamplesExamples:: The plant was a dark greenThe plant was a dark green The water in the fish tank The water in the fish tank

was was very muddy very muddy The beaker got colderThe beaker got colder

Types of DataTypes of Data

4. Analyze Data4. Analyze DataOrganize data to find patternsOrganize data to find patternsCharts, graphs helpCharts, graphs help

5. Draw a Conclusion5. Draw a ConclusionAccept or reject hypothesis*Accept or reject hypothesis*You must run the experiment You must run the experiment

many, many, many times before you can do many times before you can do either!either!

Report ResultsReport ResultsTo get credit for the To get credit for the

discovery, it needs to be discovery, it needs to be published. published.

Science is cumulative!Science is cumulative!