Tools of Environmental Sciencech.2 Sec.1 pg.32

Experimental Method

• Consists of a series of steps that scientists worldwide use to identify and answer questions.

1st Step: Observation

• Noun – a piece of information we gather with our senses

• To observe – take in information with the senses

• Tools are used to take in information: rulers,

microscopes, satellites, other examples?

• Includes researching topic of interest

2nd – Hypothesize and Predict

• Hypothesis - A testable idea that leads to an investigation

• Follows from what is already known – NOT a guess!

• A general statement that offers an explanation of a problem that has been observed

• Can be supported or contradicted by experimentation

Prediction

• Describes what will happen in a specific situation

• Logical statement about what will happen if the hypothesis is correct

• Q: what is the difference between a hypothesis and a prediction?

Experiment

• Step by step procedure designed to test a hypothesis under controlled conditions

• Should be designed to identify cause and effect relationships

• A single variable is tested and a control is used

•Variable – factor being studied

• independent variable – factor being test and adjusted . Affects the outcome of the experiment

• Dependent variable – the second factor that is being measured as a result of the independent variable. It changes as the independent variable changes.

• Constant – a factor that remains fixed during the experiment

• Ex.’s – towel experiment, growth hormone

Experimental Group

• The group that receives the experimental treatment

• Exposed to the factor being tested

Control Group

• The group that does NOT receive the treatment

• Provides basis for comparison

Scientific Methods

• Organize and analyze data

• Draw conclusions

• Repeat experiments

• Communicate results

• Examine correlations - associations between two or more events.

• Tree Ring ex. Pg.37

Scientific Habits of Mind

• Curiosity

• Skeptiscism

• Openness to new ideas

• Intellectual honesty

• Imagination and creativity

“There are two possible outcomes: If the result confirms the hypothesis, then you’ve made a measurement. If the result is contrary

to the hypothesis, then you’ve made a discovery”

– Enrico Fermi

• “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”

The End