Scientific Method

&

Lab Safety

What is the Scientific Method?

A series of logical steps to follow in order to solve problems

Steps to Scientific Method

ObserveForm a questionForm Hypothesis

Educated guess or possible answer to your question

Test Hypothesis with an ExperimentCollect & Interpret DataForm a Conclusion

Observations…

ColorShapeFunction – what is it used for?Composition – what is it made of?PatternScaleTextureSizeSmell

Forming a Question?

You should be able to scientifically investigate your question

Does adding sugar to water keep flowers fresh?

Forming a Hypothesis

This is your explanation of your observations

A day after a picnic you look inside your cooler that was filled with ice and soda. You notice there is now only water and a regular soda can is at the bottom while a diet soda is floating…why?

Hypothesis: If….then statement

Carbonated WaterAspartameCarmel ColorNatural Flavor

Carbonated WaterSucroseCarmel ColorNatural Flavor

CONTROLLED Experiment

Variables – ANYTHING that can change an experiment

In an experiment, you want only 1 variable to change. The rest of the variables should remain the same.

This makes any change in the experiment due to that one variable.

Will houseplants grow faster if you make the room warmer?

What is the variable you want to change?

Temperature

What variables will remain unchanged?

Light, container, size, water

Measurements

SI Units Used by all scientists for consistency & it makes

sharing data easier

Organizing Data … Graphs

3 main types of graphs

Circle

Bar

LineDOT TO DOTBEST FIT

Conclusion

Explain data

Was your hypothesis supported or rejected?

Explain reasons for you results

Clothing & Shoes

Wear appropriate clothing and shoesNo sandals or

opened toed shoesNo dangling

necklaces or earrings.

Tie long hair back.

The Gear

Always wear an apron, gloves, and goggles

Lab Stations

Keep them neat!

Do not bring items not needed

Don’t leave trash in the cubbies!

Be Prepared!

Read all the instructions and know what you are supposed to do BEFORE you start the lab.

Be Careful!

Pay attention to what you are doing and where you are going.

Breakables

Glass should be placed in the broken glass container

Chemicals may need to be cleaned with a spill kit

FIRE!!!

Know where the fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and shower are located

Know how to use them!

EYES

They’re important and you don’t want to lose them!

Eye wash station Use if you get

chemicals in your eyes

15 minutes minimum