Thursday September 10th
In Notebook:
Why do we do science?
Today’s Learning Targets
Agenda:
1. Sequencing Activity
2. Discussion & Notes
3. Practice worksheets
DUE: Monday September 14th
Scientific Method Activity
•
Group up with your elbow partner!
•
Create a flow chart of the scientific method
sequence - Use your prior experience!
•
It does not have to be linear!
•
EACH PERSON should be ready to discuss your
flow chart with the class.
Scientific Method Sequence
Observe an unexplained phenomenon.
Ask Question.
Review Related Research.
Form a hypothesis.
Repeat
experiment
many times
until results
are
consistent.
Design an experiment to test the chosen hypothesis.
Conduct an experiment and record the data.
Compare actual results with expected results.
Draw a conclusion.
Hypothesis supported.
Refine and
test an
alternate
hypothesis.
Hypothesis is not supported.
Report results of the experiment.
Compare results from similar experiments.
Perform additional experimentation based on the accepted hypothesis.
Scientific Method Steps:
Problem/ Question
Observation/Research
Formulate a Hypothesis
Experiment
Collect and Analyze Results
Conclusion
Communicate the Results
1. Problem/ Question
Develop a question or problem that can be
solved through experimentation.
2. Observation/ Research
Make observations and research your topic of
interest.
3. Formulate a Hypothesis
Predict a possible answer to the problem or
question.
Not a random guess; it’s an educated guess!
Must be testable.
4. Experiment
Develop and follow a procedure that can be
replicated. Include a detailed materials list
… What do we need to know to design an
experiment?
Step 4 continued:
Experimental Design
2 types of groups:
1.Control group - used for comparison, baseline
• May
be a “no treatment” group
• exposed
to the same conditions as the experimental group,
except for the variable (explained on next slide!) being tested
• ALL
experiments should have a control group
2.Experimental group - group that gets tested
• Only
1 factor changes at a time.
• Usually
discussed in the hypothesis.
Many trials
Step 4 continued:
Types of variables
3 types:
1. Independent (manipulated) variable - the factor that is being
intentionally changed. Tested factor
2. Dependent (responding) variable - the factor that may
change as a result of independent variable. Depends on the
independent variable. The variable that is being observed or
measured: all information gathered = data
3. Constant - remains the same in every test experiment
…. wait, so what’s the difference between a control group
and a constant?!?
Step 4 continued:
Types of data
Data = information gathered during an experiment
Quality:
Quantity:
2 types:
1. Qualitative - observations -> turn into categories
when graphing
2. Quantitative - numbers
5. Collect and Analyze
Results
Modify the procedure if needed.
Confirm the results by retesting. The more an
experiment is repeated, the more valid the results
are.
Include tables, graphs (we will practice our graph
usage later today!), and photographs.
6. Conclusion
Include a statement that accepts or rejects the
hypothesis using evidence to support your claim.
* A hypothesis is never PROVEN. It can only be
supported or not supported. *
Make recommendations for further study and
possible improvements to the procedure.
7. Communicate the
Results
Be prepared to present the project. Can be
through a paper or presentation.
Monday September 14th
In Notebook:
Define: qualitative data,
quantitative data,
independent variable, and
dependent variable.
Today’s Learning Targets
Agenda:
1. Finish Scientific Method Notes
2. M & M lab
DUE: Wednesday Sept. 16th
3. Reminder: Quiz tomorrow!
Difference between
hypothesis, theory, & law:
Hypothesis - “an educated guess”; a tentative
explanation of phenomena.
Difference between
hypothesis, theory, & law:
Theory - a widely accepted explanation of
natural phenomena; has stood up to thorough
and continual testing. Subject to change.
Explains WHY laws and facts are true.
Theories DO NOT become laws.
Biology examples: Theory of Evolution & Cell Theory
Difference between
hypothesis, theory, & law:
Law - a statement of what always occurs
under certain conditions. Frequently stated
mathematically.
No explanation of HOW
Common in physics and chemistry. Rare in
biology.
Biology example: Mendel’s Laws
Types of Reasoning:
•
Deductive reasoning General Information
Specific Conclusion
Example: Elephants are mammals. Gary is an
elephant. Therefore I can deduce that Gary is a
mammal.
• Inductive reasoning Specific Information
General Conclusion
Observed
Unobserved
Example: My pet bird has never flown. Therefore
it does not know how to fly.
Inference vs. Deduction
•
Deduction - make a conclusion from something known
or assumed
Example: I deduced she was married from the ring on
her finger.
• Inference - using observations, data, and prior
knowledge/experiences to make connections and come
up with ideas (educated guesses). Reading between
the lines.
Example: My sister loves M&M’s. I saw a coupon for M
&M’s on the counter. I inferred that it was my sister’s co
upon.
Tuesday September 15th
In Notebook:
What is the difference between
and observation and inference?
Today’s Learning Targets
Agenda:
1. Discuss Bouncing Ball Lab
2. Quiz
3. Design worm lab
REMINDER: Outside Tomorrow!
Design your own lab!
•
Worm Abundance
•
Different locations: prairie,
pines, and/or deciduous forest
Think about the necessary
components of a scientific
investigation (aka – use the
scientific method!)
Wednesday September 16th
There is no Question of the Day
today.
Take out M&M lab and have it
ready to turn it.
We will be going outside right away!
Today’s Learning Targets
Agenda:
1. Due Today: M&M Lab
2. Worm lab
3. Scientific Method Practice Sheet
Due: Friday September 18th
Thursday September 17th
In Notebook:
Define theory and law.
Today’s Learning Targets
Agenda:
1. Lab Report Overview
2. Work time for worm lab report.
Due:
3. REMINDER: Graphing Quiz Tomorrow!