AIM #4: DEFINE SCIENCE AND EXPLAIN THE PROCESS OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Aim #4: Define science and explain the process of the scientific method Textbook Pages: 11-21 DO NOW: IN YOUR OWN WORDS, DEFINE OBSERVATION:
DO NOW: IN YOUR OWN WORDS, DEFINE OBSERVATION: *class brainstorm*
I. Class Observation: a) Below, write down as many observations as possible based on the piece of lab equipment in the front of the room
b) Were some of your observations actually inferences? If so, what did you observe that was actually an inference?
II. What is Science? Process that uses observation and investigation to study things that are TESTABLE in the natural world. 1. What is Biology? Study of life 2. What is a theory? An explanation of natural phenomena supported by many observations.
3. Why do we use the scientific method to guide us in our investigation? a) b) c) It is a way of obtaining information (data) It is logical Uses problem solving skills in an orderly manner
III. Steps of the Scientific Method 1. Ask a question: Observation vs. Inferences a) Observation: Using the 5 senses to gather information 1. Qualitative Observation: Descriptions (color, shape etc.) Ex: 2. Quantitative Observation: Number, measurement Ex:
b) Inference: Conclusion about what you observed
2. Form a Hypothesis a) Hypothesis: Educated guess based on observations b) How do we format a hypothesis? if then statement that is testable. *Never a question!!! Ex: If plants are exposed to cool temperatures, then there will be a change in leaf color
c) What makes a hypothesis valuable? It is testable and falsifiable (proven incorrect)
3. Collect Data and perform a controlled experiment: The following are components of a controlled experiment a) Control Group: Group used for comparison ( normal ). Identical to experimental group in every way EXCEPT it DOES NOT receive treatment. b) Experimental group: Group undergoing experimental change. (Exposed to treatment)
Which is the control? Which is the experimental? Why? A B C D
c) Independent Variable: Manipulated variable (factor) being tested I Control it. (Ex: new drug, new fertilizer) d) Dependent Variable: Responding variable. Results/measurements based on what was changed (Ex: plant growth, heart rate)
Which is the Independent variable? Which is the dependent? Why? A B C D
e) Constants (controlled variables) : Factors both the control and experimental groups receive. (Ex: same amount of light, water, seed type)
What are the constants? A B C D
Why is it important that only ONE VARIABLE is manipulated? If more than one factor is changed, we cannot tell which factor caused the change
Why is this wrong? A B C D
of skin cancer
Experimental = receives vitamin C Control = does not receive vitamin C Age of people, vitamin C dosage, food, water Amount of time it takes to heal wounds If the experimental group healed quicker than the control group
4. Analyze Data and Report Conclusions a) After analyzing the data from an investigation, a biologist asks 1. 2. 3. 4. Was my hypothesis supported or rejected? Are there sources of error? Was only one variable changed? Can my experiment be repeated?
b) How are conclusions presented? As data (graphs, tables, charts) What can you conclude about this data table and graph?
IV. What are characteristics of a good experiment? repeated one large long Peer reviewed testable objective many Ethical Stay the same legal
Ask a question Form a Hypothesis Create a Controlled Experiment
Perform Experiment Analyze the Data Modify the experiment Communicate the Results
Control tank would not contain fertex. The experimental tank would have fertex. amount of water, temp of water, size of tank amount of sperm, number of eggs
Amount of fertex Amount of eggs developed/ eggs fertilized
Number of eggs fertilized at the end of the experiment Repeat the experiment Increased sample size