The nature of science

The Scientific Method

Observation:

•  Gathering information in an orderly way by sight, touch, sound, smell and taste.

The band uniforms are very hot.

Inference:

• Combining what you already know with what you’ve learned to make a logical conclusion. (Assuming)

Maybe the color of the band uniform Has something to do with how hot the uniform gets.

Ask a Question

• Using what you have observed and inferred you ask a question.

Do different colors affect the temperature of the band uniforms?

Hypothesis:

• An educated guess based on facts.

If different colors of fabric are placed in the sun for 10 minutes, then the lighter colors will be cooler.

Experiment: 

• A test to confirm or disprove your hypothesis.– Control: A Part of the experiment that is not being

tested and is used for comparison.

– Variable: Any part of an experiment that can vary.

I will place thermometers in equal sized black, green, yellow and white fabric pockets for 10 minutes and record the temperatures of each pocket.

• Independent Variable: The part of the experiment that is manipulated or changed by the scientists or person performing the experiment.

I will place thermometers in equal sized black, green, yellow and white fabric pockets for 10 minutes and record the temperatures of each pocket.

• Dependent Variable: The part of the experiment that is affected by the independent variable.

Black 96Green 94Yellow 93White 91

Data

• Information gained from experimental observations and recorded on a table.– Qualitative Data: Description of what the observer

senses. (can vary from one person to the next)– Quantitative Data: Data in the form of numbers.

Temperatures of Heated Fabric

Black 96

Green 94

Yellow 93

White 91

Analyze

• Interpreting the data and creating graphs and charts to look for patterns.

Conclusions

• Did the data collected confirm your hypothesis?

The lighter colors proved to be cooler when tested in the sun. Therefore we will make our band uniforms white.

Theory:

• An explanation of an event supported by evidence.

Law: 

• A theory that has been tested over time, examined by peer scientists and happens every time.