In Notebook: Why do we do

science?

Thursday September 10th

Today’s Learning Targets

Agenda:

1.Sequencing Activity

2.Discussion & Notes

3.Practice worksheetsDUE: Monday September 14th

Scientific Method Activity

• Group up with your elbow partner!

• Create a flow chart of the scientific method sequence - Use your prior experience!

• It does not have to be linear!

• EACH PERSON should be ready to discuss your flow chart with the class.

Scientific Method Sequence

Ask Question.

Observe an unexplained phenomenon.

Review Related Research.

Form a hypothesis.

Design an experiment to test the chosen hypothesis.

Conduct an experiment and record the data.

Compare actual results with expected results.

Draw a conclusion.

Hypothesis supported. Hypothesis is not supported.

Repeat experiment many times until results

are consistent.

Refine and test an

alternate hypothesis.

Report results of the experiment.

Compare results from similar experiments.

Perform additional experimentation based on the accepted hypothesis.

Scientific Method Steps:Problem/ Question

Observation/Research

Formulate a Hypothesis

Experiment

Collect and Analyze Results

Conclusion

Communicate the Results

1. Problem/ QuestionDevelop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation.

2. Observation/ ResearchMake observations and research your topic of interest.

3. Formulate a HypothesisPredict a possible answer to the problem or question.

Not a random guess; it’s an educated guess!

Must be testable.

4. ExperimentDevelop and follow a procedure that can be replicated. Include a detailed materials list

… What do we need to know to design an experiment?

Step 4 continued: Experimental Design

2 types of groups:

1.Control group - used for comparison, baseline

• May be a “no treatment” group

• exposed to the same conditions as the experimental group, except for the variable (explained on next slide!) being tested

• ALL experiments should have a control group

2.Experimental group - group that gets tested

• Only 1 factor changes at a time.

• Usually discussed in the hypothesis.

Many trials

Step 4 continued:Types of variables

3 types:

1. Independent (manipulated) variable - the factor that is being intentionally changed. Tested factor

2. Dependent (responding) variable - the factor that may change as a result of independent variable. Depends on the independent variable. The variable that is being observed or measured: all information gathered = data

3. Constant - remains the same in every test experiment…. wait, so what’s the difference between a control group and a constant?!?

Step 4 continued:Types of data

Data = information gathered during an experimentQuality: Quantity:

2 types:

1. Qualitative - observations -> turn into categories when graphing

2. Quantitative - numbers

5. Collect and Analyze Results

Modify the procedure if needed.

Confirm the results by retesting. The more an experiment is repeated, the more valid the results are.

Include tables, graphs (we will practice our graph usage later today!), and photographs.

6. ConclusionInclude a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis using evidence to support your claim.

* A hypothesis is never PROVEN. It can only be supported or not supported. *

Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure.

7. Communicate the Results

Be prepared to present the project. Can be through a paper or presentation.

Monday September 14th

In Notebook: Define: qualitative data,

quantitative data, independent variable,

and dependent variable.

Today’s Learning Targets

Agenda:

1. Finish Scientific Method Notes

2. M & M labDUE: Wednesday Sept. 16th

3. Reminder: Quiz tomorrow!

Difference between hypothesis, theory, & law:Hypothesis - “an educated guess”; a tentative explanation of phenomena.

Difference between hypothesis, theory, & law:Theory - a widely accepted explanation of natural phenomena; has stood up to thorough and continual testing. Subject to change.

Explains WHY laws and facts are true.

Theories DO NOT become laws.

Biology examples: Theory of Evolution & Cell Theory

Difference between hypothesis, theory, &

law:Law - a statement of what always occurs under certain conditions. Frequently stated mathematically.

No explanation of HOW

Common in physics and chemistry. Rare in biology.

Biology example: Mendel’s Laws

Types of Reasoning:• Deductive reasoning -

General Information Specific ConclusionExample: Elephants are mammals. Gary is an elephant. Therefore I can deduce that Gary is a mammal. • Inductive reasoning -Specific Information General Conclu-sionObserved UnobservedExample: My pet bird has never flown. Therefore it does not know how to fly.

Inference vs. Deduction

• Deduction - make a conclusion from something known or assumedExample: I deduced she was married from the ring on her finger.

• Inference - using observations, data, and prior knowledge/experiences to make connections and come up with ideas (educated guesses). Reading between the lines. Example: My sister loves M&M’s. I saw a coupon for M&M’s on the counter. I inferred that it was my sister’s coupon.

Tuesday September 15th

In Notebook: What is the difference

between and observation and inference?

Today’s Learning Targets

Agenda:

1.Discuss Bouncing Ball Lab

2.Quiz

3.Design worm labREMINDER: Outside Tomorrow!

Design your own lab!• Worm Abundance

• Different locations: prairie, pines, and/or deciduous forest

Think about the necessary components of a scientific investigation (aka – use the scientific method!)

There is no Question of the Day today.

Take out M&M lab and have it ready to turn it.

We will be going outside right away!

Wednesday September 16th

Today’s Learning Targets

Agenda:

1. Due Today: M&M Lab

2. Worm lab

3. Scientific Method Practice SheetDue: Friday September 18th

In Notebook: Define theory and

law.

Thursday September 17th

Today’s Learning Targets

Agenda:

1. Lab Report Overview

2. Work time for worm lab report. Due:

3. REMINDER: Graphing Quiz Tomorrow!