Unit 1 Lesson 1 Objectives The Scientific Method

State and District Objectives

Evaluate scientific information for relevance to a given problem.

Develop questions from observations that transition into testable hypotheses

Formulate a testable hypothesis

Predict the outcome of an investigation based on prior evidence, probability, and/or modeling (not guessing or inferring).

Specify the requirements of a valid, scientific explanation (theory), including that it be: logical, subject to peer review, public, respectful of rules of evidence

Explain the process by which accepted ideas are challenged or extended by scientific innovation.

Distinguish between pure and applied science.

Describe how scientists continue to investigate and critically analyze aspects of theories.

Demonstrate safe and ethical procedures (e.g., use and care of technology, materials, organisms) and behavior in all science inquiry.

Identify the resources needed to conduct an investigation.

Evaluate the design of an investigation to identify possible sources of procedural error, including: sample size, trials, controls, analyses

Design models (conceptual or physical) of the following to represent "real world" scenarios: collisions

Use descriptive statistics to analyze data, including: mean, frequency, range

Propose further investigations based on the findings of a conducted investigation.

For a specific investigation, choose an appropriate method for communicating the results.

Communicate results clearly and logically.

Lesson Objectives

Demonstrate an understanding of the scientific method by developing a plausible theoretical scenario that utilizes the steps of the scientific method in order to arrive at a logical conclusion.

Unit 1 Lesson 1 The Scientific Method

Through research, scientists seek to explain natural phenomenon and solve the natural mysteries of the Earth. Over the years, the scientific community has developed and organized a logical approach to scientific reasoning and research called the scientific method. This process of systematic reasoning consists of a set or sequential steps that are guides to specific problem solving (see Figure 1).

Figure 1 – Scientific Method Flow ChartThe first step in the process of the scientific method is the identification of a problem. In order to understand if a problem can be resolved through a logical thinking process, a scientist must conduct research in order to understand al the various aspects of that problem. In order to

formulate whether a problem can be evaluated toward a conclusion, a scientist must make a hypothesis or an educated guess as to what the probable solution to the problem will be.

In order to arrive at a conclusion or solution to a problem, the hypotheses must be tested through experimentation. An experiment is an organized procedure used to test a hypothesis. There are two elements related to the proper conduct of an experiment. The first element is the control. The control is used to show that the result of an experiment is really due to the condition being tested. The other element is the variable. This element is the factor that changes in an experiment. The variable factor is tested under altered conditions to see how the changing factor affects the results of the experiment. During the course of an experiment, it is essential that precise observations and measurements are recorded in order to test and or verify the hypotheses with reliable data and it is absolutely imperative that the observations and measurements be recorded faithfully and without error.

When enough data as been collected and analyzed, a judgment based on the results of an experiment can be made. This judgment is called the conclusion. If after numerous tests a major hypothesis cannot be shown to be false, it may be accepted as a theory. A theory is a logical model for the explanation of a problem or phenomenon, which is based upon accurate and verifiable data. Faulty data or the falsifying of data is completely contrary to the entire process of experimentation as it relates to the scientific method because in order to be accepted, a scientific discovery must produce the same results every time it is tested! This method makes science a self-correcting process, which helps to explain phenomenon and which, gives us practical scientific knowledge in the form of technology.