1.3: Scientific Thinking & Process

Welcome to the Scientific Method!!!!!!

One of my favorite things to do when I have lots ofspare time is bake cookies and cakes. I’ve beenhaving a problem lately- nothing seems to turn outright. What should be my first step in solving thisproblem?A. Try baking cookies more often, and bring them to

class.B. Figure out if something is wrong with the oven or

kitchen timerC. Nothing. You aren’t a pastry chef, Miss Walsh.

1.3: Scientific Thinking & Process

1.3: Scientific Thinking & Process

The fact of the matter is, we all use some or parts of the scientific method in our daily lives to solve problems. The only difference between scientists and us is scientists are researching problems, and we’re trying to figure out what’s wrong with our ovens!!!

Remember that no matter what branch of science (physics, biology, chemistry), scientists are going to use the same method to solve problems and conduct research.

1.3: Scientific Thinking & Process

Biology is a process of inquiry that uses critical and logical thinking to find answers to questions.

Scientific inquiry also requires evidence- just like in a court of law.

I. The following are the steps to the scientific method:

1. Observations, data, and hypothesesa. Scientific inquiry starts with observations; this

includes actually observing the subject, or examining data from past experiments.

b. Observations can also be recorded as data . There are 2 kinds of data: qualitative (sight, sound, smell) or quantitative (how much, temperature, etc.)

c. Hypothesis: a proposed answer for scientific questions. It must be specific and testable.

1.3: Scientific Thinking & Process

1.3: Scientific Thinking & Process

2. Testing hypothesesa. Scientists test the hypothesis several times-

biological data can be highly variable. By repeating tests, scientists can be certain their results are “chance happenings.”

b. After testing the hypothesis several times, scientists analyze the data. They use statistics, and there are two outcomes from statistical analysis:

i. Nonsignificant: the effect was so small it could have happened by chance

ii. Statistically significant: the data show an effect that is not likely due to chance.

II. Conducting Experiments1. In experiments, scientists study factors called

independent variables and dependent variables to find cause and effect relationships

2. The independent variable is the one manipulated in the experiment

3. The dependent variable is the one that is affected by the independent variable; dependent variables are measured during an experiment to determine the impact of the independent variable

4. Ideally, only one variable should change at a time- all else should remain constant.

1.3: Scientific Thinking & Process

1.3: Scientific Thinking & Process

III. What is a theory?1. Remember this: a hypothesis is a proposed

answer for a scientific question

2. A THEORY is a proposed explanation for a wide range of observations and experimental results supported by a wide range of evidence.

3. Theories are not easily accepted in science- and as a rule, they are never proven. They are always subject to change or may be disproven.

a. Examples: theory of evolution, theory of disease

1.3: Scientific Thinking & Process

On a new sheet of paper, please write your name, date and period.

Please label the assignment: 1.3 questions, page 17, #1, 2, 5.

Write in complete sentences, you do not have to write the questions

1.3: Scientific Thinking & Process