What is science?
Use of scientific inquiry to form testable explanations
and make predictions about studying the natural word.
• “Scientia” – Latin word meaning “knowledge”.
• Major categories:
1. Life science:
Living organisms
2. Earth science:
Earth & space
3. Physical science: Matter & energy
What is science?
• Scientific explanations help you understand the
natural world.
• As more is learned about the natural world, some
of the earlier explanations might be found to be
incomplete or new technology might provide
more accurate answers.
Think about the things you use once you
leave school to the time you wake up.
What would life be without technology?
Scientific Method
• An organized set of investigation procedures.
• Six common steps found in scientific methods are
shown.
Step 1: State the Problem
Step 2: Gather information
Step 3: Form a hypothesis
Step 4: Test the hypothesis
Step 5: Analyze data
Step 6: Draw a conclusion
Construct a study guide & Create a mnemonic.
Scientific Method
• Find key words & phrases for each step in the
textbook and add it to your study guide.
Step 1: State the Problem
• Wonder “what” or “why”
Step 2: Gather information
• Research - to fine tune the question and
to form a hypothesis.
Step 3: Form a hypothesis
• Testable explanation based on what you
know and observation.
Scientific Method
Step 4: Test the hypothesis • Define Hypothesis.
• Hypothesis – educated guess through observation
or a possible explanation for a question or problem.
• Process of observation, measurement & collecting
data by designing an experiment.
• Find key words & phrases for each step in the
textbook and add it to your study guide.
Did you find?
• Experiment, variables, constants, & control
Scientific Method
• Experiment – looks at how one thing affects another
under controlled conditions.
o Experimentum - Latin word, which means “proof
or test.”
• Variable - a factor that can cause a change in the
results of an experiment.
o List and define the 4 types of variables?
Experiment:
We want to determine which of three different
fertilizers helps plants to grow the biggest. What
are possible factors to consider?
Possible factors include:
•
•
•
•
amount of sunlight
room temperature
type of soil
type of fertilizer
• amount of water
• plant type
Experiment:
Draw a data table to represent all of the factors.
 Which of the following is the dependent variable?
 Which are the constants. Why?
 Which of the following is the control? Why?
 Which of the following is the independent
variablel? Why?
Scientific Method
Step 5: Analyze data
• Organizing data into tables & graphs
• Includes ALL results
Step 6: Draw a conclusion
• Supported or not?
• Must be able to be repeated with same
result.
Scientific Method - Things to Considered
1. How data is collected - Accuracy vs. precision.
o Define each & explain the difference.
• Accuracy: The closeness of a given measurement to
its true value, i.e. bulls eye.
• Precision: The stability of that measurement when
repeated many times, i.e. cluster.
Which of the
following is
accuracy,
precision or
both?
Scientific Method - Things to Considered
2. How data is collected - Qualitative vs. Quantitative .
 Qualitative – use of senses; descriptive color,
shape, odor, texture, taste
 Quantitative - involves measurements; has a
number and units associated with it. Ex: length,
width, height, mass
Warm Up
1. Identify the following for A-D: Accuracy,
precision, both or neither
A.
B.
C.
D.
2. __________ involves measurements; has a
number and units associated with it. Ex: length,
width, height, mass.
3. __________use of senses; descriptive color,
shape, odor, texture, taste
Scientific Method - Things to Considered
2. Organizing Data
• Visual representation of your data/observation
• Use of tables and/or graphs.
• Types of data organizers:
o Data Table
o Line Graph
o Circle Graph
o Bar Graph
o Visualizing with models
Data Graphs
• Data Table: record and organize data; helps in
designing a graph or chart. Ex. Rainbow Lab
Test
Tube
Color
Final Volume
A
Red
10 mL
B
Orange
9.9 mL
C
Yellow
10.1 mL
D
Green
9.7 mL
E
Blue
9.9 mL
F
Purple
10.2 mL
Data Graphs
Click to Create a Graph
• Line Graph: deals with independent vs. dependent
variables that change continuously
o x axis: represents the independent variable
o y axis: represents the dependent variable
o Remember: DRY MIX (an acronym)
D = dependent variable
R = responding variable
Y = graph information on the vertical or
y-axis
M = manipulated variable
I = independent variable
X = graph information on the horizontal
or x-axis
Data Graphs
• Circle Graph: aka. “pie graph”.
o Divided into section in relation to 100%
Data Graphs
• Bar Graph: compares data that does NOT change
continuously.
Data Graphs
• Models – represents an idea, event, or object to
help people better understand it.
• Give some examples of scientific models
Scientific Method - Things to Considered
2. How resources should be used:
• Using reusable equipment
• Using small mounts
• Disposing of waste properly
• Understanding MSDA
o Material Safety Data Sheets
Scientific Law vs. Theory
Look up the definitions for scientific law and theory.
Give an example of a scientific law.
• A scientific law is a statement about what happens in
nature and that seems to be true all the time.
• Laws tell you what will happen under certain conditions,
but they don’t explain why or how something happens.
• A scientific theory is an explanation of things or events
based on knowledge gained from many observations and
investigations. It is not a guess; it is an accepted
hypothesis.
A theory can be used to explain a law, but theories
do not become laws.
Scientific Law vs. Theory
Use a Venn diagram to compare & contrast Law vs.
Theory
Law
Theory
Review
Essential Questions



What steps do scientists often use to solve
problems?
Why do scientists use variables?
What is the difference between a scientific law and a
scientific theory?
Vocabulary
Review
investigation
New
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
scientific methods
hypothesis
experiment
variable
dependent variable
independent variable
constant
control
bias
model
scientific theory
scientific law
1. Oreo Cookie Challenge
Do Double-Stuff Oreos actually have double the stuffing or regular Oreos?
Equipment: Scale, Beaker, Rulers, *Oreos and Double Stuff Oreos
*you may need to set some guidelines about eating the experiment items
2. Bounty Challenge: Which paper towels more absorbent generic paper towels or
Bounty?
Equipment: Beaker, Graduated Cylinder, Scale, Rules, Water, Two types of towels
Dissecting trays or pans might help for catching water.
3. Surface Effect: How does surface are of a candy affect how quickly it dissolves in
water?
Equipment: Smarties or sweet tarts (or any sugary dissolvable candy that can be cut
into smaller portions), water, ruler, scale, *scalpel or blade, timer *requires safety
discussion beforehand
4. Gum Challenge: Many gum brands claim that they have the longest lasting flavor.
Design and conduct an experiment to determine what type of gum has the longest
lasting flavor. clock, a variety of different types of gum
5. Polish Remover Challenge: Which type of polish remover works best, acetone
or acetone free? fingernail polish, polish remover (2 types), dishes, lids, or other
surfaces to paint on, variety is good so that student must consider the surface when
conducting the experiment.
Sample Guidelines
On a single paper for your group write:
1) Experiment Question
2) Your hypothesis (include reasoning)
3) Your experimental design *
4) Data collected
5) Your Conclusions
Evaluate claims seen on commercials, design and
conduct an experiment to test those claims.