Chapter 1 Section 3

Goal of Science- to understand the world around us

-Science is distinguished from non-science by the scientific method

scientific method- systematic approach to problem solving

Steps to the Scientific Method

1) Identify problem/ Propose a question

-usually done by making an observation

2) Gather Information

-find out as much as you can about your topic

-use resources such as internet, magazines, books, videos, newspapers, interviews

*Do Your Research!!

-Use your gathered info to:

3) Form a hypothesis

-an educated guess or proposed explanation for what is observed

4) Design and perform an experiment to test hypothesis

-experiment must allow you to prove or disprove your hypothesis

-for results to be accepted, the experiment must produce the same results over and over again

control- is not changed in an experiment

-can only test one variable at a time

independent/manipulated variable- what is changed on purpose

dependent/responding variable- what happens in response to the manipulated variable being changed

5) Analyze results from experiment

-must keep careful records of observations made and data collected throughout the experiment

-can use graphs, charts, tables to organize data

6) Prove/Disprove Hypothesis- Conclusion

-use your data/results to accept or refute/disprove your original hypothesis

What if hypothesis is not accepted?

theory- explanation of natural phenomenon that is supported by many experiments

scientific law- summarizing statement of observed experimental facts that has been tested many times and is generally accepted as true