Notes-

Chapter 1.3-
Methods of Science
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The Scientific Method

1. Ask a Question
2. Form a Hypothesis
3. Collect the Data
4. Analyze the Data
5. Report Conclusions
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1. Observation/Question
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Start with an observation of
something in the natural world.!
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Ask a question and research
information from reliable sources.!

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 Observations vs. Inferences

observation (see, smell, taste, hear, touch) !

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a direct method of gathering
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information in an orderly way.!
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 Observations vs. Inferences

Inference!
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Our understanding of WHY!
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Combining what you know with
what you learned to draw a
conclusion.!
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2. Form a Hypothesis
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A hypothesis is a testable
explanation of an observation.!
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If.. then.... because....!
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When a hypothesis is supported by data
from multiple investigations, the hypothesis
is usually considered valid and is
accepted by the scientific community.!
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If the hypothesis is not supported by
scientific investigations, the hypothesis is
revised, and additional investigations are
conducted .!

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3. Collect the Data
! In a controlled experiment,
only one factor can change at
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a time. !
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 The control group is the group
you compare to.!

The experimental group is the

group exposed to the factor
being tested.!

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Independent variablethe tested
factor (the thing we change)!
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Dependent variablethe result
(depends on the experiment) !
the thing we measure!
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Constantthings we keep the same !
Gather data information from
observations.!
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Quantitative data -numbers, !
such as time, temperature, length, mass, etc.!
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Qualitative data descriptions!

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Data is organized in notebooks and data tables!
 Investigations
Not
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all scientific inquiry is based on
controlled experiments!
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! Investigations rely on observation
and collection of data rather than
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manipulating variables!
Metric system
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The metric system uses units with

divisions that are powers of ten.!
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SI units (International System of Units)
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are used for consistency between
countries.!

Ex: cen(meter, kilogram, milliliter

 4. Analyze the Data!
Has the hypothesis been supported?!
Is
! more data needed?!
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Patterns in data can be displayed in tables and graphs.!
Data analysis determines if the hypothesis is supported or
rejected.!

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5. Report Conclusions
Experimental findings must be
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peer-reviewed. If the reviewers
think the experiment was valid, it is
! published in a scientific journal.!

Other scientists use published

papers to evaluate and develop
their own research.!
Student Scientific Inquiry
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You will participate in and design

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your own investigations!
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Lab safety practices are
designed to keep you, your
classmates, and your teacher
safe.!
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1.3 homework