The Scientific Method

The Scientific Method1Parts of the Scientific MethodForm a TheoryRepeatParts of the Scientific MethodForm a Theory1) Ask a QuestionParts of the Scientific Method1. Observe a Problem or Ask a Question

Example:Is fire always orange?

Parts of the Scientific MethodForm a Theory2) Develop a HypothesisParts of the Scientific Method2. Develop a HypothesisExample: If the same substance (phlogiston) is emitted by fire, then all fires will be orange.Parts of the Scientific MethodForm a Theory3) ExperimentParts of the Scientific Method3. ExperimentExample:Burn metal chlorides and observe color of flameParts of the ExperimentIndependent Variable the variable that is changed by the scientist

Dependent Variable the variable that depends on the independent variable changing

Parts of the ExperimentControl Variables variables that are kept constantExample:Independent: Which metal is burnedDependent: Color of flameControl: Type of flame, temperature of flame, etc.Parts of the Scientific MethodForm a Theory4) Analyze DataParts of the Scientific Method4. Analyze DataMetal ChlorideFlame ColorCalcium ChlorideStrontium ChlorideLithium ChloridePotassium ChlorideCupric ChlorideParts of the ExperimentQuantitative Data data which can be measured; deals with numbers

Qualitative Data data can be observed but not measured; deals with descriptionsParts of the Scientific MethodThis data is Qualitative. It does not have numbers.Metal ChlorideFlame ColorCalcium ChlorideOrangeStrontium ChlorideOrange-redLithium ChlorideRed-orangePotassium ChloridePurpleCupric ChlorideGreenParts of the Scientific MethodForm a Theory5) Reach ConclusionParts of the Scientific Method5. Reach ConclusionMetal ChlorideFlame ColorCalcium ChlorideOrangeStrontium ChlorideOrange-redLithium ChlorideRed-orangePotassium ChloridePurpleCupric ChlorideGreenConclusion: Fire does not always burn orange.Parts of the Scientific MethodForm a Theory6) Form a TheoryParts of the Scientific Method6. Form a theory

Theory an explanation for some phenomenon that is based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning-Must be supported by many experiments done by many scientists

The theory of phlogiston (a substance that leaves materials when they burn) was proven false.Parts of the ExperimentWhich is the independent variable?(variable changed by the scientist)

-Whenever Angela accidentally eats peanut butter, she becomes really sick.1. Peanut Butter 2. SicknessParts of the ExperimentWhich is the independent variable?

-Julie wants to know if the amount of sunlight a plant receives will affect its growth.

1. Amount of sunlight2. Plant GrowthParts of the ExperimentWhich is the independent variable?

-A university research group investigates the connection between developing lung cancer and smoking cigarettes.

1) Lung cancer 2) SmokingParts of the ExperimentIs the data quantitative or qualitative?-Whenever Angela accidentally eats peanut butter, she becomes really sick.1) Quantitative (numbers)2) Qualitative (descriptive)

Parts of the ExperimentIs the data quantitative or qualitative?

-Julie wants to know if the amount of sunlight a plant receives will affect its growth.

1) Quantitative (numbers)2) Qualitative (descriptive)Parts of the ExperimentIs the data quantitative or qualitative?-A university research group discovers that 80%-90% of all lung cancer deaths are due to smoking.1) Quantitative (numbers)2) Qualitative (descriptive)