Physical Science
(2011-2012)

I. Introduction
A. Traditional basis for research
1. Most intellectual disciplines seek evidence after drawing their conclusions
2. Scientists Collect evidence
before drawing their conclusions

I. Introduction
A. Traditional basis for research
3. Consequently, scientists
accept and encourage challenges to existing theories
4. The vehicle for scientific inquiry is called the
Scientific Method

II. Introduction
A. Purpose
1. Provides organized process for the investigation into and to gain an understanding of natural phenomena
2. Insures accuracy and impartiality of these investigations

II. Introduction
B. Steps
1. Observation

II. Introduction
B. Steps
1. Observation

II. Introduction
B. Steps
1. Observation a. Take note of phenomenon b. Record every factor present at and around phenomenon
Accurate, detailed, quantitative

Measurement
Scientists use units of measurement established , by international treaty, under the International System of Units.
You might know these units as “Metric” units.
Metric units are formed using prefixes and SI base units.
Metric prefixes are based on fractions and multiples of “10.”

Metric Prefixes
KiloHekaDeka-
Base
Units DeciCentiMilli-
K H dk m, g,
L d c m
1,000 100 10 1 0.1
0.01
0.001

Length
Metric Base Units
Mass Time
Elec.
Curr.
Temp.
Amt.
of
Subst.
Light
Inten.
m kg s
A K mol cd
Meter
Kilogram
Second ampere
Kelvin mole candel

Converting SI Units
1. Convert 1.255 liters (L) to milliliters (mL).
The conversion factor is 1 L = 1,000 mL
1.255 L = __?__ mL
X x 1,000 mL = __?__ mL
X
1.255 x 1,000 mL = 1.255 x 1,000 =
1.0 1.0
1.255 x 1,000 mL = 1,255 mL
1.0

Converting SI Units
2. Convert 3,075 mm to centimeters (cm).
The conversion factor is 10 mm = 1.0 cm
3,075 mm = __?__ cm
X x 1.0 cm = __?__ mL
X
3,075 x 1.0 cm = 3,075 x 1.0 cm =
10 1.0
3,075 x 1.0 cm = 307.5 cm
10

Converting SI Units
3. The Bering Land Bridge National
Preserve is a summer home to bird life.
Some birds migrate 20,000 miles. The conversion factor for miles is 1 mile =
1.6 kilometers. Calculate the distance the birds fly in kilometers.
20,000 mi. = ___ km
X x 1.6 km =
X
20,000 x 1.6
km =
32,000 km =

II. Introduction
B. Steps
1. Observation
2. Evaluation

II. Introduction
B. Steps
2. Evaluation

II. Introduction
B. Steps
2. Evaluation a. Scientists consider this the most difficult and important step

II. Introduction
B. Steps
2. Evaluation b. Purpose is to determine:
1) Which factor was the phenomenon

II. Introduction
B. Steps
2. Evaluation b. Purpose is to determine:
1) Which factor was the phenomenon
2) Which factor caused the phenomenon

II. Introduction
B. Steps
2. Evaluation b. Purpose is to determine:
2) Which factor caused the phenomenon
3) Which factors were present, but not part of the phenomenon

Variable Managed? If so, how?
Controlled Yes Kept absolutely constant/unchanged
Independent Yes
Dependent No
Changed exactly as described in hypothesis
Hands off!! Must be measured metrically

II. Introduction
B. Steps
1. Observation
2. Evaluation
3. Hypothesis

II. Introduction
B. Steps
3. Hypothesis a. Is a PREDICTION b. Three parts
1) If. . .Controlled var.
2) and. . . Independent var.
3) then. . .Dependent var.

If (List all the controlled variables) are kept constant, and (state exactly and in detail how the independent variable will be manipulated) , then
(specifically and quantitatively predict what will happen to the dependent variable) .

II. Introduction
B. Steps
1. Observation
2. Evaluation
3. Hypothesis
4. Experimentation

II. Introduction
B. Steps
4. Experimentation

II. Introduction
B. Steps
4. Experimentation a. Tests hypothesis b. Objective and accurate c. Scientifically valid

c. Scientifically valid
1) Test hypothesis a) Validate hypothesis b) Does prediction happen?
2) “Tight” design a) Controlled var.
b) Independent var.
c) Dependent var.

II. Introduction
B. Steps
1. Observation
2. Evaluation
3. Hypothesis
4. Experimentation
5. Analysis

II. Introduction
B. Steps
5. Analysis a. Examine the data b. Does the data support the hypothesis?

5. Analysis c. Requires data analysis
1) Mathematical
Mean Median Mode Range

5. Analysis c. Requires data analysis
1) Mathematical
2) Graphic
Data
Tables

r t
G a n l
P t h o w
1
2
3
4
5
6
Sunlight
(Days)
1 2 3 4 5

5. Analysis c. Requires data analysis
1) Mathematical
2) Graphic
Data
Tables
Line
Graphs

r t
G a n l
P t h o w
(mm)
5
4
3
2
1
0
Sunlight v. Plant Growth
1 2 3 4 5
Sunlight
(Days)

5. Analysis c. Requires data analysis
1) Mathematical
2) Graphic
Data
Tables
Line
Graphs
Bar
Graphs

r t
G a n l
P t h o w
(mm)
5
4
3
2
1
0
Sunlight v. Plant Growth
1 2 3 4 5
Sunlight
(Days)

5. Analysis c. Requires data analysis
1) Mathematical
2) Graphic
Data
Tables
Line
Graphs
Bar
Graphs
Pie
Charts

II. Introduction
B. Steps
1. Observation
2. Evaluation
3. Hypothesis
4. Experimentation
5. Analysis
6. Conclusion

II. Introduction
B. Steps
6. Conclusion a. If he data supports the hypothesis, SAY SO.
“The data supported the hypothesis.”

II. Introduction
B. Steps
6. Conclusion b. If he data did not support the hypothesis:
1) State, “The data did not support the hypothesis.”
2) Return to Step 2—
Evaluation; repeat process.

Science demands continuous, honest, rigorous examination of natural phenomena. No explanation is above review and revision—even rejection.
If a hypothesis/theory/law is found insufficient or valid, it is simply revised or rejected. NEVER LIE ABOUT
YOUR DATA!!

1. Observation
2. Evaluation
3. Hypothesis
4. Experimentation
5. Analysis
6. Conclusion
Data supports hypothesis
No
Yes
Publication

Scientific Method Flipbook
1. Create a six-page, illustrated flipbook that describes the scientific method. Also, include a cover page.
2. Each page should include: a. The name of the step b. A description of the step c. An illustration of the step.
3. The flipbook is due at the beginning of our next class. It is worth 60 points.

Scientific Method Flipbook
The
Scientific Method
Observation
Evaluation
Hypothesis
Experimentation
Analysis
Conclusion