the scientific method basis of all scientific experiments
TRANSCRIPT
“Scientific Method”
1. Question (find a problem)2. Observation (Research)3. Hypothesis (guess)4. Experiment 5. Record & Analyze results6. Conclude (“this is what we found…”)
6 Steps
“This process is a pain…why use it?”
• Scientific Method – designed to logically solve problems and construct theories.
• To begin: YOU OBSERVE SOMETHING.
Ex. “Hey I just tried to turn the lights on in my apartment, but I’m still in a dark room. Lame.”
When Doing Labs
• Use the Scientific Method – accepted method for scientists to explain how things work
• Steps:
1. State Problem and Collect Data2. Formulate Hypothesis3. Perform Experiments
Step 2: Collecting Data [Two Types]Quality vs. Quantity?
Qualitative (Quality)
• NO NUMBERS involved
• Ex. The sky is blue
• Ex. The solution is cloudy
Quantitative (Quantity)
• NUMBERS involved
• Ex. The solution is 34.50 grams
• Ex. Water boils at 100 degrees
Step 3: Hypothesis• Hypothesis – a POSSIBLE
explanation for why something happens
• Observations are NOT hypotheses
• Ex. the solution is cloudy (observation)
• Ex. the solution is cloudy because it is contaminated (hypothesis)
Step 4: ExperimentsUse controls and variables
Control – the constant
Variable – the thing that changes in the experiment
Lake vs. Ocean
Quick Quiz #1
• Jeremy noticed the sky was cloudy outside. Is this a qualitative or quantitative observation? How do you know?
• How could Jeremy turn this observation into a hypothesis?
• What is a control, and how does it differ from a variable?
Warm Up #1
1. Make an observation about something you see in this room. Is it qualitative or quantitative?
2. How can you turn this observation into a hypothesis?
3. Why do you think it is important to perform multiple trials in an experiment?
Step 5: Record and Analyze Results
• Perform multiple Trials – attempts at experiment. Why?
• Collect data in DATA TABLE – organize information effectively
• Analyze data using GRAPHS. – Trends that may appear
Step 6: Making Sense of Your Data
• After making sense of your data, come to a CONCLUSION.
• Does my data prove my hypothesis?
• If so, you can construct a theory
Theory vs. Law
• Theory – a conclusion based on REPEATED TESTING– Can be disputed/disproven
via testing
• Law – explains things, but do not describe them. – NO EXCEPTIONS to laws– ALWAYS TRUE.– Laws are rare
Quick Quiz #2
• Why would you perform multiple trials in an experiment?
• Once your hypothesis has been tested and proven several times, it becomes a _______.
• What is the biggest difference between a theory and a law?
California is a mess.
Environmentally falling apart:
• Sustainability• Population Growth• Wealth Gap• Types of Resources• Pollution
How did this happen?
Sustainability
Sustainability – the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance.
• Air• Water• Earth
Air – CO2 Emissions
• CO2 = Carbon Dioxide
• CO2 linked to Greenhouse Effect – retention of warm air, thus increasing earth’s temperature
• California = one of the worst states in US…why?
Freeways!
• 58% CO2 emissions comes from cars/trucks on the roads
• Freeways = a necessary evil?
• How are we trying to improve air quality (transportation incentives?)
Forest Fires = CO2
• California = dry heat
• Forest Fires started:– Lightening– Spontaneous
Combustion
• Spread by: WIND
• Wildfires increase CO2 emissions
Water
• California = a desert climate
• Acquire water from outside sources (Colorado River)
• How? Aqueducts.
• Can we keep this up?