The Scientific Method - Metcalfe County Schools

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Transcript The Scientific Method - Metcalfe County Schools

1.

What do you think you will be studying in Biology?

1. What is the scientific method?

2. What does the word BIOLOGY mean?

        Hypothesis - educated guess Independent Variable - given to the experimental group, controlled by scientist Dependent Variable - measured by scientist, experiment outcome Control group - receives no independent variable Experimental group - receives independent variable Theory - explains how and why nature works, many hypotheses proven multiple times Law -explains what nature does under certain conditions, but does not explain why (math laws) Scientific Method - way scientists investigate

     GRAPHING 1. OBSERVE the gummy bears, and GUESS how many of each color you have . WRITE this down .

2.

CREATE 3. GRAPH have.

a Bar Graph, with your prediction.

the actual number of bears you T A L K S

Make observations Formulate Hypothesis Perform and experiment Gather Data Form Conclusions

 Observations are based on:  Senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch)  Prior knowledge

 An educated guess or prediction based off observations or prior research.

 Experiments are designed to prove/disprove the hypothesis using a CONTROLLED experiment.

 A controlled experiment only has one variable.

 Variable- something that can be manipulated or changed.

  1. Control Group-no variable applied.

2. Experimental Group-variable applied.

 In order to measure only one variable, groups must be identical to one another, except for the variable.

  1. Independent Variable-manipulated by experimenter (YOU CONTROL THIS), given to experimental group.

2. Dependent Variable-measured by the experimenter, it depends on the independent variable (YOU MEASURE THIS).

 During the experiment it is important to write everything down.

1. Collect data during experiment.

2. Interpret data and results.

3. Make calculations, measurements, etc.

 Determine if your hypothesis is correct/incorrect.

 The

purpose

of a conclusion is to prove/disprove your hypothesis.

 One experiment is typically not enough, multiple trials are run to ensure validity of results.

Make observations Formulate Hypothesis Perform and experiment Gather Data Form Conclusions

If I want to know which type of feed (oats or pellets) would put weight on a group of 30 horses faster, what should I do?

Hypothesis: Control Group: Experimental Group: Independent Variable: Dependent Variable:

 Place the steps of the scientific method in sequential order.

 Hint: Sequential is the adj. for sequence.

 Place post it on the yellow sheet with your first and last name.

  Pfizer is thinking of testing a new anti-aging drug. They ask you an expert researcher to design an experiment for them to determine whether or not the drug “Stay Young” works.

Complete the following:   State Hypothesis Create an experiment   Control group & experimental group Determine independent & dependent variable

  Inquiry- you investigate your hypothesis by designing your own unique experiment.

Constants: Variable:

 A WKU professor was conducting a research trial to see what type of therapy would be the best to use to help depressed clients. She got two groups of patients, used two different therapies, and recorded her results.

 Why was this not a controlled experiment with respect to control and experimental groups, independent and dependent variables, and validity of results?

 Driving home I realize that birds in Summer Shade are growing three wings instead of two. I also notice that they are drinking from water with a purplish tinge.

  Propose a hypothesis.

Set up an experiment: Label control and experimental groups, independent and dependent variable.

 Hypothesis-educated guess based on predictions  Law  Theory- a well-tested concept that has been proven many times.

  The hypothesis/hypotheses always remain true.

Examples: Cell Theory and Evolutionary Theory

   Science is always changing with new technologies and new experimentation.

Science is based on fact not opinion.

Always be open-minded, question the known and unknown.

 The goal of the scientific method is to investigate, understand, and explain events in the natural world and use these explanations to make further predictions.

        1. __ variable given to experimental group 2. __ group that receives no variable 3. __ educated guess 4. __ believed by many, explains why something happens 5. __ variable measured in the experiment 6. __ states what is going to happen, but not why 7. __ group that is compared to the control group 8. __ term to describe how scientists study nature

 Online Stopwatch  X Y X Y

       Composed of Cells Levels of Organization Metabolism- use energy Respond to the Environment/ Stimuli Growth Reproduction Adapt to Environment

       Cells-smallest unit of life; structure dictates function Reproduction-necessary for species survival Metabolism-chemical reactions needed to gain energy Homeostasis- the body’s ability to maintain a constant environment. ( Warm vs. Cold blooded) Heredity- passing of traits from parents to offspring Evolution-change over time for species’ benefit Interdependence - all species rely/interact on one another within an environment.