The Scientific Method Basis of All Scientific Experiments.

The Scientific Method

Basis of All Scientific Experiments

“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

Example:What happens to the population as time increases?

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: A Journey Through Time

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?

Earth. Well…concrete.

• National Parks = a California landmark

• Budget crisis = park closures

• Effect on wildlife/biodiversity in California?