What is science?

Science is…

•process of thinking, observing, & studying

our world by using the scientific method

to gain knowledge, answer questions, &

solve problems!

•Experiments = Evidence!

Questions to Consider!

Will science provide answers to all our

questions? Why?

What is science limited by?

Question Activity

One question that can be answered by biology/science?

& One question that can not be answers by

biology/science?

Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Identify a Problem

2. Gathering Information

3. Make a Hypothesis

4. Perform an Experiment

5. Analyze results

6. Draw Conclusions

7. Repeat & Communicate

Scientific Method Step 1

Identify a problemExample: My car will not start.

Step 2Gather informationExample: lights will not turn on, key turns but

engine makes a funny noise○ Observation vs. Inference

Lesson Closure – Exit TicketToday’s objective was to start to identify & discuss the important parts & purpose of the scientific method.

What are some important parts of the scientific method?

Why are observations important in science?

Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Identify a Problem

2. Gathering Information

3. Make a Hypothesis

4. Perform an Experiment

5. Analyze results

6. Draw Conclusions

7. Repeat & Communicate

Scientific Method

Step 3: Make a hypothesis

○ prediction about what you think is going to happen in an

experiment

Specific to an experiment

Testable

If, then format

Example: Fish are dying in a pond. (problem). We investigate the pond & find it is near a housing development, highway, and a farm. (info) We predict that fertilizer from the lawns of the houses & the farm is washing into the pond and killing the fish.

How could we test these questions?

Does cigarette smoking increases the risk of lung cancer?

Can eating breakfast increases performance in school?

How could we raise school spirit?

What would your hypothesis be?

Scientific Method

Step 4: Perform an experiment

Test the hypothesis!

Planned out Procedure

Collect Data (observations)

Procedure Activity 2 Notes Cards

Draw a simple picture on one note card.On the other card, write a procedure to

explain to someone else how to draw the same exact picture.

Pair UpUsing the procedure only, see if your partner

can draw your picture.Hint: don’t tell them what it is!

Scientific Method

Step 5 Analyze the DataWhat does the data mean?Identify relationships

Analyze

• Q: What does this data say?

• A: As temperature increases, dissolved oxygen decreases

Temperature(0C)

Dissolved Oxygen (ppm)

20 45

30 33

40 29

50 15

60 10

Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Identify a Problem

2. Gathering Information

3. Make a Hypothesis

4. Perform an Experiment

5. Analyze results

6. Draw Conclusions

7. Repeat & Communicate

Scientific Method

Step 6: Draw conclusionsMy data did support my hypothesis that…

Or…My data did not support my hypothesis

that…

What would your conclusion be?

• Hypothesis If maintenance increases the number of recycling cans in the lunch room, then the amount of trash will decrease.

• Data:

# of recycling cans Amount of trash (tons)

2 250

3 200

4 150

5 150

6 149

Repeat◦ Why would this be important?

Last is to…

Controlled Experiment! Variables

Only want to change one factor at a time! Why?Constants: variables you keep the sameIndependent vs. Dependent variablesControl Group

Collect DataQualitative vs. Quantitative

You want to know what color flowers butterflies like best. You choose an area you know is naturally inhabited by butterflies. You plant 6

rows of flowers, each row a different color of the same type of flower. Twice a day, each day (morning & evening) you add up the

number of butterflies found on each different color of flowers.

What is your independent variable?

What is your dependent variable?

What are your constants?

Results of Science Scientific Theory

explanation that has been supported by many experiments○ Makes Predictions○ Has lots of evidence to support

those predictions○ Is constantly being tested!