Scientific Method for high school classroom

Scientific Method powerpoint

1. The Scientific Method Science is the human effort to understand the natural world and how it works, with observable physical evidence as the basis of that understanding . Vanessa Jason Biology Roots

2. How do YOU define science? (Think and discuss) A class wedged between gym and math? A dusty old textbook? Full of old Latin names no one can pronounce? Totally awesome? Part of being human? Something we encounter every day? A word we use to describe our ability to test ideas?

3. What is Science? 1 .  Studies the natural world. 2. Discovers nature's "rules" about how things work. 3. Discovers knowledge. Science excludes the supernatural- events or things that cannot be explained by nature. What do you mean we’re not science? Haven’t you seen our movies???

4. Science is… Practical Based on observation An intellectual pursuit Systematic Sounds difficult, right? It isn’t! Science isn't mysterious or unattainable. The scientific method is really no different than science itself.

5. The Power of Observation Science begins with OBSERVATION. How observant are you? On a traffic light, is the green light found on the top, middle or bottom? Which hand does Lady Liberty (the Statue of Liberty) carry the torch in? Bottom! Her right!

6. There are three main branches of science: Life science Earth science Physical science Branches of Science

7. Branches of Science Math is also considered a branch of science. Branches of science, including math, constantly overlap each other.

8. Why is having a methodical approach to science useful? Why bother with the scientific method? Using a consistent, methodical approach to solving a problem leads to the most accurate results with the least mistakes! The scientific method is something all of us use all of the time -- being curious, asking questions, seeking answers – these are basic parts of the scientific method.

9. The Scientific Method is all around us Fixing a flashlight Fixing your internet connection Trying a new recipe for the first time

10. Inference, Hypothesis, Prediction An inference is a logical explanation for something based on prior experiences or knowledge. Example- Gray skies mean rain; sore throats lead to the flu A hypothesis is a possible explanation- it must be testable! Example) Exercising will help me lose weight. Prediction - A prediction is based on your hypothesis. Set up your prediction as an “ IF, THEN ” statement. Example) If I run 2 miles 5x a week for 6 weeks, then I will lose weight.

11. The Scientific Method The Scientific Method is a series of steps in which a question and/or problem is investigated by observing and experimenting . Step 1 State the problem or pose the question. Step 2 Collect data/gather information. Step 3 Form a hypothesis (an explanation or possible answer).

12. The Scientific Method In order to get accurate results from your experiment, it must include two variables and a control group: Independent (manipulated) variable: what is changed during the experiment. Dependent (responding) variable: what you measure during the experiment. Control group - a group that is NOT experimented on; left alone to see what would happen without your manipulations so that you can compare results. Step 4 Test your hypothesis. Experiment!

13. Independent vs. Dependent Variables Independent variable (or manipulated variable)- is what is changed. The dependent variable (or responding variable) is what you are measuring- The control group is what you left alone. Example- A new mosquito repellent is tested before it hits the market. One arm is sprayed, the other arm is NOT sprayed. After 6 hours, mosquito bites are counted. In this case it is adding the mosquito repellent to your skin. the number of mosquito bites. The control group in this example is the arm that is NOT sprayed.

14. A question might look like this: How does __________________ effect  _________________                   (independent variable)         (responding or dependent) Think:   The I ndependent variable is the thing that I changed. The D ependent variable d etermines my D ata. Independent vs. Dependent Variables mosquito repellent # of mosquito bites

15. Experimental Group There are two groups in an experiment: the control group and the experimental group. The experimental group shows the effect of the variable that was tested. Experiments should be designed to compare the results of the experimental and the control group. In the mosquito repellent example, which arm serves as the experimental group? The arm with the repellent- it is going to show the effect of the variable (the repellent).

16. The Scientific Method Step 5 Analyze your data. During this step, you’ll want to organize your data by using charts and/or graphs.

17. Types of Data Data can be quantitative or qualitative . Quantitative= numbers (quantity) Qualitative= descriptions (quality) (ex- colors, health, appearance, texture, behavior, etc.)

18. The Scientific Method When drawing conclusions, include if your hypothesis was accepted or rejected . -If hypothesis is rejected (unsupported), then it needs to be modified. -If the hypothesis is accepted (supported), the experiment is typically repeated. Step 6 Draw conclusions. This is the written portion of your experiment in which you share results and make connections.

19. Scientific Method in Action Question : Which brand of gum lasts the longest? Trident ® , Orbit ® , or Eclipse ® ? Which steps must be taken before designing the experiment? -Collect data -Form a hypothesis How would you design the experiment? Which steps follow the experiment? -Analyze the data -Draw conclusions

20. Design an Experiment! Question: Does fertilizer increase the number of tomatoes on a single tomato plant? Tip: Use a higher number of plants… why? Higher numbers give more accurate results! CONTROL GROUP EXPERIMENTAL GROUP Possible scenario: 25 tomato plants DO NOT receive fertilizer. Possible scenario: 25 tomato plants receive fertilizer. Should fertilizer be the same amount?

21. Design an Experiment The only difference between the two groups should be the addition of the fertilizer to the experimental group. Everything else should remain the same. Examples- Same amount of water Same amount of sunshine Same size pots Why is this important?

22. Modeling Sometimes, concepts in science are abstract and can be better understood using models. Generally models are used for very big things (like the Earth) or very small things (like a molecule). Can you think of any other models useful in science?

23. Scientific Theory Theories are formed if an experiment is repeated many times and obtains the same results. A theory is an explanation for an occurrence; it can be changed as new data emerges. Examples: Theory of Evolution Big Bang Theory Scientific theories take a long time to develop! In order for a theory to have merit, it must be repeated many times by many different scientists. Have you heard of my theory of relativity?

24. Scientific Law A scientific law is something that has been proven true and correct numerous times, and can explain why something happens. Examples: Law of Gravity Law of Cosmic Expansion Typically, laws involve math and can be proven with numbers. Actually… I have three laws.

25. The Dark Ages Scholars such as Aristotle, Socrates, Archimedes, Pluto and Hippocrates are just some examples of Greek philosophers that have paved the way for modern science. During the “Dark Ages” (circa 500 to 1100 AD), the knowledge of these ancient philosophers was dismissed as barbaric. This coincided with the rise of the Catholic church- religious dogma governed much of what people thought or believed. People were often persecuted if they went outside religious thought.

26. The Renaissance Period The Renaissance (immediately following the Dark Ages in the 12 th century), a period of reawakening came. Renaissance means “rebirth ”. The works of ancient scholars were rediscovered, universities were formed, and many emerging scientists used the ancient Greeks philosophies to build upon their own (Galileo, Francis Bacon). Francis Bacon also disproved some ancient thought as he made his own scientific journey. I was one of the earliest philosophers to design a scientific method.

27. The Age of Discovery Following the Renaissance period came the Age of Discovery. Within this time period, many were able to use the knowledge of their predecessors to advance in science like never before. Many of these scientists are still found in textbooks today, as their theories and laws are widely accepted or known. Robert Hooke- Cell Theory Sir Isaac Newton Louis Pasteur Johannes Kepler - Calculated mathematical laws of orbit Robert Boyle- Gas Laws