How do we solve problems in science?

Scientific Inquiry & Experimental Design

The scientific method…

State the problemForm a hypothesisProcedureResultsConclusion

Let’s have a more in depth look at what scientist actually use and more scientific terminology.

Experimental Design vs. Scientific Method

Experimental Design Scientific MethodResearch QuestionFormulating

HypothesisCareful ObservationData GatheringAnalysis of Data

Identifying patterns in the data

State the problemForm a hypothesisProcedureResultsConclusion

Types of Experimental DesignDifferent research questions

require different experimental designs.

Descriptive Investigations

Experimental Research Design

Descriptive InvestigationsAn investigation used to explore questions in

environmental conditions you cannot control.Ex. Jane Goodall’s study of chimpanzees.Picture hyperlinked to: www.janegoodall.org/media/videos

A hypothesis is not required in these investigations.

Experimental Research Design

Can be used when focused on a single variable.

Conditions can be controlled.Determines the cause of a problem.

Ex.: Thumb Wars

Experimental Research Design:Thumb Wars

1. Research Question2. Hypothesis3. Gathering Data4. Data Analysis

Patterns in the data

5. One variable tested: thumb length

Experimental Research DesignResearch Question: Do plants grow better in coke or water?

Do plants grow better in coke or water?Research Question: Do plants grow better in

coke or water?

Hypothesis Ex: Plants will grow better in water because plants need water to live.

Gathering Data: Controlled experiment with one independent variable.Independent Variable: Type of liquid given to plantsDependent Variable: Measured growth of each

plantConstants: Conditions kept the same (such as

amount of liquid, type of plant, soil, amount of sunlight)

Do plants grow better in coke or water? (cont.)

Analysis of Data : Using graphs/tables to find trends in the data.