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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.