Chapter 1Scientific Method and

Scientific Communication

Chapter 1Scientific Method and

Scientific CommunicationGEE Science

Summer RemediationMr. Nash

Donnie Bickham Middle SchoolRoom 204

GEE ScienceSummer Remediation

Mr. NashDonnie Bickham Middle School

Room 204

Introduction ToThe Scientific Method

Introduction ToThe Scientific Method

Science is the observation, identification, description, and explanation of phenomena.

The Scientific Method is the process used to assist us in our attempt to understand our surroundings.

Science is the observation, identification, description, and explanation of phenomena.

The Scientific Method is the process used to assist us in our attempt to understand our surroundings.

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Steps In The Scientific MethodSteps In The Scientific Method

1. Make an observation2. Ask questions3. Form the hypothesis4. Set up an experiment to test the

hypothesis5. Collect the data6. Draw a conclusion7. Make a prediction

1. Make an observation2. Ask questions3. Form the hypothesis4. Set up an experiment to test the

hypothesis5. Collect the data6. Draw a conclusion7. Make a prediction

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Example of the Scientific MethodExample of the Scientific Method

Observe birds in flight. Make an observation

How do birds fly? Ask questions

The wing designs of birds catch the air differently Form the hypothesis

Observe birds in flight. Make an observation

How do birds fly? Ask questions

The wing designs of birds catch the air differently Form the hypothesis

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Example of the Scientific MethodExample of the Scientific Method

Make and fly different designs of paper airplanes. Set up an experiment to test the hypothesis

Take notes on flight patterns of paper airplanes and create a data table on how each airplane flew. Collect the data

Make and fly different designs of paper airplanes. Set up an experiment to test the hypothesis

Take notes on flight patterns of paper airplanes and create a data table on how each airplane flew. Collect the data

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Example of the Scientific MethodExample of the Scientific Method

The size and shape of the wing gives lift to the bird. Draw a conclusion

Wing designs are dependent on the size of the bird. Make a prediction

The size and shape of the wing gives lift to the bird. Draw a conclusion

Wing designs are dependent on the size of the bird. Make a prediction

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Making Observations andDefining the Problem

Making Observations andDefining the Problem

Scientist believe all natural phenomena in the universe have logical, verifiable explanations.

Natural Phenomena is something occurring in nature that we experience through our senses.

Scientist believe all natural phenomena in the universe have logical, verifiable explanations.

Natural Phenomena is something occurring in nature that we experience through our senses.

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Making Observations andDefining the Problem

Making Observations andDefining the Problem

Observations are made by using the five senses:

Sight – Watching a bird build a nest Touch – Touching the nest’s material Smell Sound – Hearing the bird’s call Taste

Observations are made by using the five senses:

Sight – Watching a bird build a nest Touch – Touching the nest’s material Smell Sound – Hearing the bird’s call Taste

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Making Observations andDefining the Problem

Making Observations andDefining the Problem

Making observations may lead to identifying problems. Example:

Observing that pigeons are making nests on the tops of city buildings. You might also observe the problem that pigeon droppings are damaging shingles and defacing city property.

Making observations may lead to identifying problems. Example:

Observing that pigeons are making nests on the tops of city buildings. You might also observe the problem that pigeon droppings are damaging shingles and defacing city property.

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Asking QuestionsAsking Questions

Asking appropriate questions is the second step in solving a problem

By asking questions, we can search for logical explanations for what we observe and find ways to solve problems.

Asking appropriate questions is the second step in solving a problem

By asking questions, we can search for logical explanations for what we observe and find ways to solve problems.

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Forming The HypothesisForming The Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a statement that gives the best possible response to the question

Example: What is the effect of sunlight on green

plants? Hypothesis: Green plants need sunlight to

grow.

A hypothesis is a statement that gives the best possible response to the question

Example: What is the effect of sunlight on green

plants? Hypothesis: Green plants need sunlight to

grow.

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Forming The HypothesisForming The Hypothesis

The hypothesis can be formed using inductive reasoning.

Inductive reasoning is the ability of a scientist to draw from knowledge and experience to make a general explanation.

The hypothesis can be formed using inductive reasoning.

Inductive reasoning is the ability of a scientist to draw from knowledge and experience to make a general explanation.

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Setting Up the ExperimentSetting Up the Experiment

Should give accurate and measurable results.

Should be designed to collect information about the hypothesis I order to solve the problem.

Gather meaningful data. Examine only one condition at a time.

Should give accurate and measurable results.

Should be designed to collect information about the hypothesis I order to solve the problem.

Gather meaningful data. Examine only one condition at a time.

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Setting Up the ExperimentSetting Up the Experiment

Should have two parts: Control Group

Part of the experiment designed without variable to support the hypothesis.

Experimental Group Part designed to test variable components of

the hypothesis. Indicate changes which might invalidate the

hypothesis.

Should have two parts: Control Group

Part of the experiment designed without variable to support the hypothesis.

Experimental Group Part designed to test variable components of

the hypothesis. Indicate changes which might invalidate the

hypothesis.

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Collecting DataCollecting Data

Gathered from the observations and measurement taken during a scientific experiment.

Should include intervals, temperatures, and metric units of mass, length and volume.

Grams, Meters, Liters, etc.

Gathered from the observations and measurement taken during a scientific experiment.

Should include intervals, temperatures, and metric units of mass, length and volume.

Grams, Meters, Liters, etc.

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Collecting DataCollecting Data

Two Types of Data Qualitative Data

Shows specific characteristics Quantitative Data

Gives exact amounts Both types should be collected and

displayed in a data table.

Two Types of Data Qualitative Data

Shows specific characteristics Quantitative Data

Gives exact amounts Both types should be collected and

displayed in a data table.

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Presenting DataPresenting Data

Table – good way to organize data because it presents information in an orderly fashion. Usually in rows and columns.

Line Graph – best used to show how one variable changes with respect to another. Data recorded in a table can often be graphed to

show the relationship between the data in a way that is easier to analyze.

Table – good way to organize data because it presents information in an orderly fashion. Usually in rows and columns.

Line Graph – best used to show how one variable changes with respect to another. Data recorded in a table can often be graphed to

show the relationship between the data in a way that is easier to analyze.

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Presenting DataPresenting Data

Multiple Line Graphs – used to compare multiple values

Bar Graphs – used to show easy-to-read, unconnected bars which represent a quantity of information. Quantities represented by the bars can

then be compared and contrasted.

Multiple Line Graphs – used to compare multiple values

Bar Graphs – used to show easy-to-read, unconnected bars which represent a quantity of information. Quantities represented by the bars can

then be compared and contrasted.

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Presenting DataPresenting Data

Circle Graph – used to show parts of a whole. Often show percentages of a total. Also called pie graphs or pie charts.

Models – used to show a picture Diagrams – used to show schematic

drawings, illustrating the parts of the whole of a real event.

Circle Graph – used to show parts of a whole. Often show percentages of a total. Also called pie graphs or pie charts.

Models – used to show a picture Diagrams – used to show schematic

drawings, illustrating the parts of the whole of a real event.

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Drawing ConclusionsDrawing Conclusions

Conclusion – judgment or inference based on observation and experimentation.

Drawn from the results of the experiment

Results are the end products of an experiment.

Conclusion – judgment or inference based on observation and experimentation.

Drawn from the results of the experiment

Results are the end products of an experiment.

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Making a PredictionMaking a Prediction

Prediction – a forecast of the possible results of future events.

Knowledge gained from observation and experimentation can help to make predictions for unrelated events.

Prediction – a forecast of the possible results of future events.

Knowledge gained from observation and experimentation can help to make predictions for unrelated events.

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Analysis of Error In Scientific Data

Analysis of Error In Scientific Data

Any errors that might have been made during an experiment will result in a distortion of data.

Examples: A student consistently reads the volume in a graduated

cylinder at a slight angle instead of straight on. Sometimes a spillage or other accident can result in an

invalid data point. Pouring a liquid from one container to another and then

recording the volume will usually result in some error since not all of the liquid will be transferred to the second container.

Errors in data are commonly made simply by recording the data incorrectly.

Any errors that might have been made during an experiment will result in a distortion of data.

Examples: A student consistently reads the volume in a graduated

cylinder at a slight angle instead of straight on. Sometimes a spillage or other accident can result in an

invalid data point. Pouring a liquid from one container to another and then

recording the volume will usually result in some error since not all of the liquid will be transferred to the second container.

Errors in data are commonly made simply by recording the data incorrectly.

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AssignmentAssignment

Chapter 1 Review Complete all 20 questions.

Chapter 1 Review Complete all 20 questions.

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