Nature of Science

Making a model

Creating a representation of a complex object or process; can be actual objects, drawings, or mathematical equations; used to study things that can't be observed directly

Volume of solids

Cubic centimeter cm^3

4. Design an Experiment to Test the Hypothesis

Design an experiment to test your hypothesis that includes only ONE independent variable. Your hypothesis will not be "wrong" or "right". The data either SUPPORTS your hypothesis or it doesn't. As you conduct your experiment, you will collect your data, analyze your results and form conclusions.

Mass

gram g

outcome (dependent) variable

is the result of your independent variable. It is how you are measuring (the data) what happened as a result of the tested variable.

The scientific method

logical, organized mechanism for identifying and researching a problem, and devising a strategy for solving it.

Linear

meter m

Quantitative

more precise; contain numerical data

Replication

Other scientists are able to get the same results when they test the hypothesis. Their tests can use the same procedure, or they can use a different procedure, but the results should be the same.

control group

Some experiments need a control group in order to make valid conclusions Does not have the independent variable applied Used as a comparison group

All Investigations Must Have:

Testable Question Testable Hypothesis Test for the question/hypothesis gathering empirical evidence Evidence gathered through observation / experimentation Analysis of test results Conclusion Share information learned

PEER REVIEW

other scientists from the same field of science review the hypothesis, test, and conclusion make sure enough repetition of the experiment occurred are able to replicate the results

Observing

Using one or more senses or measuring with scientific instruments to gather information

Measuring

Using scientific instruments to gather quantitative data

Qualitative

be as precise as possible; contain no numerical data

Time

second, minute, hour s, min, hr

Technology

using science to make things we can use

Gregor Mendel conducted research about genetics by breeding pea plants. Although he could not actually see into cells, he deduced from his results that each of an organism's traits is determined by two factors (alleles). Long after Mendel's work, microscopes were improved and scientists observed that chromosomes in the nucleus occurred in matching pairs. It is now accepted that the two alleles for each trait are located on homologous chromosomes. What does this demonstrate about science?

Advances in science may result from new interpretations of previous work.

Graphing

Analyzing data through graphic representation

Compare/contrast

Analyzing the similarities of objects or situations

Direct Evidence

Collected from the source AND Collected at the time it occurred

Inferring

Evaluating observations and data to reach a conclusion about them

Analyzing

Explain or interpret things that you observe

Classifying

Grouping items by similarities

6. Draw Conclusions from Your Data

Here, it is stated directly whether the hypothesis was supported or not. If your hypothesis is supported, you may need to conduct more trials in order to gather additional data so that your conclusion can be stronger. If it is not supported, design a test for a new Tested (independent) Variable.

1. Determining the Problem or Question.

In this step, you (the researcher) must decide what it is that you will be studying. This sounds like a simple procedure, but it is actually very important. It identifies exactly what you wish to learn and it allows you to focus only on that material. Making observations helps you identify a problem that can be solved.

Controlled Experiment

Independent/manipulated variable Dependent variable Controlled variable Control group

Science

Investigating your world Based on observations Scientific evidence Based on objective reasoning

Temperature

Kelvin / Celciuc K / C

Volume of fluids

Liter L

Pseudoscience

Makes use of science Based on beliefs Not based on observation Not based on scientific evidence Not based on objective reasoning

Predicting

Making a claim about what will happen in the future, based on past experience or evidence

Repetition

Multiple trials of the experiment are done

Indirect Evidence

NOT collected from the source OR NOT collected at the time it occurred

In order for new knowledge to be accepted by the scientific community

New Knowledge must be subjected to PEER REVIEW

Weight

Newtons N

Force

Newtons N

Observational Study

No manipulated variables No controlled variables

5. Conduct the Experiment and Collect the Data

Run the experiment that you have so carefully constructed. In this step, you will be observing/measuring the dependent variable. The dependent variable is the RESULTS being observed or measured. Any pieces of information that you collect regarding the dependent variable are called DATA.

Scientists create both scientific theories and scientific laws as they make observations and conduct experiments about the natural world. Which of the following statements most accurately compares the difference between scientific theories and scientific laws?

Scientific theories are ideas that explain natural events, while scientific laws more reliably predict natural events.

2. Development of a Hypothesis

The hypothesis is NOT an (educated) guess! Instead, a hypothesis is a prediction based on observations and/or research. Once you have identified a problem/question, conduct some research based on your observations. Use that information to help devise a hypothesis. An important aspect of the hypothesis is that it should answer the original question. It must be TESTABLE..

3. Identifying Variables

There can only be ONE variable (independent) tested on an experiment. Dependent, controlled variable

Controlled Variables

all the factors that you keep the same for EVERY group in your experiment

tested (independent) variable

the factor that you change between groups when you set up the experiment. (x-axis)