SECTION SUMMARIES
1.3 Thinking Like a Scientist Summary:
Alchemists are people who searched for a way to change cheap metals such as lead into gold.
Practical alchemists developed techniques for working with metals, glass, and dyes. Even
though alchemists were not successful in their search, they did spur the development of
chemistry by developing tools and techniques for working with chemicals. They introduced
processes for separating mixtures and purifying chemicals that we still use today.
Lavoisier helped transform chemistry from a science of observation to the science of
measurement. he designed a balance that could measure mass to the nearest 0.0005 grams. He
also proved that oxygen is required for any burning.
The Scientific Method:
The scientific method is a logical, systematic approach to the solutions of a scientific problem.
There are three steps in the scientific method include making observations, testing hypotheses,
and developing theories. When people make an observation, they use their senses to obtain
information while carefully watching some phenomenon. A hypothesis is a proposed
explanation for an observation. Scientists use experiments, a procedure carried out under
controlled conditions in order to test hypothesis. In an experiment, there are two variables.
The variable that you can change during an experiment is called the manipulated variable or
independent variable. The variable that is observed during an experiment is called the
responding variable or dependent variable. A theory is a well-tested explanation for a broad
set of observations. It is helpful for it allows people to predict the behavior of matter. A
scientific law is a concise statement that summarizes the results of many observations and
experiments.
When scientists collaborate and communicate, they increase the likelihood of a successful
outcome.
1.3 Thinking Like a Scientist Vocabulary Terms:
Scientific method
Observation:
a logical, systematic approach to the solutions of a scientific
problem
information obtained directly by using your senses
Hypothesis:
a proposed explanation for an observation
Experiment:
a procedure carried out under controlled conditions in order to test
hypothesis
Manipulated variable
The variable that you can change during an experiment
Responding variable
The variable that is observed during an experiment
Theory
Scientific law
a well-tested explanation for a broad set of observations
a concise statement that summarizes the resuls of many observation
and experiments
The End of the Summary