The Scientific Method
-- Identify the skills that scientists use to learn about
the world around them
-- Describe scientific inquiry
-- Describe the scientific method
-- List the steps in the scientific method
-- Compare and contrast scientific inquiry and scientific
method
-- Identify the characteristics of a hypothesis
-- Identify the characteristics of a theory
-- Identify the characteristics of a scientific law
-- Compare and contrast technology and science
-- List and describe the different scientific models used by
scientists
-- Create documents in google document
-- Read and sign classroom contract
classifying

This is the process of grouping together
items that are alike in some way. For
example we could classify this class as a
six grade class because everyone in this
class has something in common they
are a 6th grader.
controlled experiment

An experiment in which only one
variable is manipulated at a time.
data

Data describes the facts, figures and
other evidence gathered through
observations.
hypothesis

A hypothesis is a POSSIBLE explanation
for a set of observations or answers to
a scientific question.
inferring

This occurs when you explain or
interpret the things you observe. You
are using the information you have
gained from your observation to
explain something
life science

Life science is the specific discipline of
science that observes and studies
aspects that have an effect on our
bodies and how animals and nature
interact
making models

This involves creating representations of
complex objects or processes. Models
help people study and understand
things that are complex or that cannot
be observed directly
manipulated variable

A manipulated variable is the one
variable that is purposely changed to
test a hypothesis
operational definition

An operational definition is a statement
that describes how to measure a
variable or define a term
predicting

When you predict you attempt to use
the information you have through
observation and experience to forecast
what will happen in the future based on
your past observations or experiences.
qualitative observation

Deals with descriptions that cannot be
expressed in numbers such how it
looks, feels or tastes. In contrast to
quantitative observations which deals
with numbers qualitative is more
descriptive. For example the eggs that
the hen laid had a tan color.
quantitative observation

Deals with a number or an amount. For
example a quantitative observation
might notice that the hen laid 5 eggs
daily
responding variable

This is also called the dependent
variable and identifies the variables that
remain constant and are affected by the
manipulated variable.
scientific inquiry

Scientific inquiry refers to the diverse
ways in which scientists study the
natural world and propose explanations
based on the evidence they gather.
scientific law

A scientific law is a statement based on
repeated experimental observations
that describes some aspect of the
world. A scientific law is a constant and
does not change. For example:
Newton’s law of gravity.
theory

A scientific theory is a wellsubstantiated explanation of some
aspect of the natural world, based on a
body of knowledge that has been
repeatedly confirmed through
observation and experiment.
variable

A variable is a factor or thing that can
change the outcome of an experiment
The Scientific Method
The scientific method is the only scientific
way accepted to back up a theory or
idea. This is the method on which all
research projects should be based. The
Scientific Method is used by researchers
to support or disprove a theory.
The Scientific Method
The Scientific Method involves 5 steps:
Observation
Question
Hypothesis
Method
Result
The Scientific Method
Observation- You observe something
in the material world, using your senses
or machines which are basically
extensions of those senses.
AH—Look at this!
The Scientific Method
Question- You ask a question
about what you observe.
State the problem or question.
The Scientific Method
Hypothesis- You predict what
you think the answer to
your question might be.
The Scientific Method
Method - You figure out a way to test whether
the hypothesis is correct. The outcome must be
measurable (quantifiable).
Record and analyze data.
The Scientific Method
Result- You do the experiment using
the method you came up with and
record the results. You repeat the
experiment to confirm your
results by retesting.
The Scientific Method
State Conclusion- You state whether
your prediction was confirmed or not
and try to explain your results.
The Scientific Method
Test you knowledge by
visiting the Scientific Scenarios
and see if you can identify
the steps of the scientific
method.
Computer Group Work
•Access the assignment tab
•Log on to Discovery Education
•View segments 1-8 of the first part of
the video "Scientific Method and
Measurement."
•Complete the Scientific Method
Assignment and take the quiz. Submit
the quiz results to Mr. Yost
Homework (Continued)
Students will go to brainpop.com and log in using the following
information:
user:
npacademy
password: panama
•Place your cursor in the search box and type in Scientific Method and press
the enter key.
•Click on Scientific Method.
•Watch the video
•Take the quiz once you have watched the video.
•Choose the email results option and email it to me with the following Email
address:
frank.yost@newpointeducation.com
•Assigned 29 August 2013. Due no later than 30 August 2013