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The Methods of Science

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What is Science?1. studies the natural world

2. discovers knowledge3. discovers nature's "rules" about how things work

4. only deals with natural phenomena and natural causes

*excludes supernatural

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Branches of Science1. Life science (biology, microbiology, botany, evolution) -

deals with living things2. Earth science (geology, meteorology) - earth, space,

rocks, volcanoes, weather

3. Physical science (chemistry, physics) - matter, energy,

gravity, light, sound

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Scientific Method

A step by step process where a scientist investigates a

question by observing and performing experiments.

Step 1 - State the problem or pose a question

Step 2 - Gather information

(has someone already investigated this?)

Step 3 - Form a hypothesis -- a possible explanation or

answer

Step 4 - Test the hypothesis with an experiment

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Experiments have 2 variables

Independent variable - what you change

Responding variable (dependent) - what you measure

If you want to test the affect of fertilizer, you would add fertilizerto a plant (independent variable) and measure how the plant

grows (responding variable)

A control is something you do nothing to,

used to compare your results

you will also have a plant that receives no fertilizer

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Another way to look at it....

A title might look like this:

The effect of __________________________

(independent variable)

on ___________________________________

(responding variable)

A question might look like this......

How does __________________ effect _________________

(independent variable) (responding)

Think: The Independent variable is the thing that Ichanged.

Extra Slide!

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Step 5 - Analyze data

Organize data into charts or graphs that can be read

by others

Step 6 - Draw ConclusionsDetermine if hypothesis is supported or

rejected

If hypothesis is not supported - modifyhypothesis

If hypothesis is supported - repeat experiment

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Scientific Method in Action

1. What is the best material for insulation? Question.

2. Investigate materials (wool, down, leather)3. Form a hypothesis

4. Design and conduct experiment

5. Analyze data

6. Draw conclusions

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ModelingScientists sometimes use models to help visualize

phenomenon. The globe is a model you are familiar with.

Name some other

models.....

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Pick A Question and Design an Experiment

1. Will human urine repel sharks?

2. Does the color red make lizards more aggressive?3. Will fish grow larger if placed in a larger tank?

4. Does exercise reduce your risk of heart attack?

5. Does aspirin keep cut flowers fresh longer?

Step 1 - State the

problem or pose aquestion

Step 2 - Gather

information

Step 3 - Form a

hypothesis -- a possible

explanation or

answer

Step 4 - Test the

hypothesis with an

experiment

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A THEORYis an explanation of why something

happens. It comes from many observations and

experiments. It can be changed with new data.

Examples: Germ Theory

Theory of Evolution

A LAWtells you what happens, like a rule ofnature.

Examples: Law of Gravity

Law of Thermodynamics

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TECHNOLOGY is the application of science to help

people

We often thing of technology as things like

computers, but technology also includes things like

steel.

What are some other technologies?

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What is Physics?Physics is the study of the physical universe, from the basic structure of the

atom to how objects behave at rest and in motion. It is the basis for all other

sciences, and can be divided into several areas:

Mechanics- the study of objects at rest and in motion

Fluids- the study of how fluid substances (liquids and gases) behave Thermodynamics- the study of heat and heat transfer

Waves- the study of wave motion and sound

Optics- the study of light

Electricity and Magnetism - the study of each of these and theinteractions between the two

Modern Physics - includes a variety of modern topics including special

relativity, quantum mechanics, and nuclear physics.