The Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method

Chpt. 5 SummaryChpt. 5 Summary

ObjectivesObjectives Describe the order of steps in the scientific Describe the order of steps in the scientific

methodmethod Explain the role of reasoning skills in forming a Explain the role of reasoning skills in forming a

hypothesishypothesis Identify Variables in a food science experiment Identify Variables in a food science experiment

and how they may change resultsand how they may change results Demonstrate how to complete a data table and Demonstrate how to complete a data table and

report for an experimentreport for an experiment Distinguish between a hypothesis and a scientific Distinguish between a hypothesis and a scientific

theorytheory Suggest guidelines for doing a food science Suggest guidelines for doing a food science

research projectresearch project

Key TermsKey Terms

DataData Deductive Deductive

ReasoningReasoning Dependent Dependent

VariableVariable ExperimentExperiment HypothesisHypothesis

Independent Independent VariableVariable

Inductive Inductive ReasoningReasoning

TheoryTheory VariableVariable

Scientific MethodScientific Method

Forming a HypothesisForming a Hypothesis

Observations lead to possible explanations Observations lead to possible explanations for questions and problemsfor questions and problems

Hypothesis:Hypothesis: testable predictions that testable predictions that explain certain observationsexplain certain observations Educated guessEducated guess Answers What am I trying to Prove? What Answers What am I trying to Prove? What

questions do I want to answer?questions do I want to answer? First Step in the Scientific MethodFirst Step in the Scientific Method

Gives direction to the experiment and guides Gives direction to the experiment and guides you in structuring the experimentyou in structuring the experiment

Gives a goal and a focusGives a goal and a focus

Reasoning SkillsReasoning Skills

Use your brain Use your brain In order to form a hypothesis you must In order to form a hypothesis you must

use INDUCTIVE and DEDUCTIVE reasoninguse INDUCTIVE and DEDUCTIVE reasoning Inductive ReasoningInductive Reasoning: drawing a general : drawing a general

conclusion from specific facts or conclusion from specific facts or experiencesexperiences

Deductive Reasoning:Deductive Reasoning: reaching a reaching a conclusion about a specific case based on conclusion about a specific case based on KNOWN facts and general principleKNOWN facts and general principle

If……Then Statements, the know fact (if) If……Then Statements, the know fact (if) leads you to the conclusion (then)leads you to the conclusion (then)

ExperimentationExperimentation Heart of the Scientific MethodHeart of the Scientific Method EXPERIMENTS:EXPERIMENTS: a way to test the hypothesis in a way to test the hypothesis in

order to verify or disprove it.order to verify or disprove it. Must identify and create situations that test the HypothesisMust identify and create situations that test the Hypothesis Must have VARIABLESMust have VARIABLES Includes a list of equipment and materials, give step by Includes a list of equipment and materials, give step by

step instructionsstep instructions Variables:Variables: factors that can change in an factors that can change in an

experimentexperiment Gets more reliable resultsGets more reliable results

2 Types of Variables: IDENPENTDAENT AND 2 Types of Variables: IDENPENTDAENT AND DEPENDENTDEPENDENT Independent variable:Independent variable: The factor that you change The factor that you change Dependent Variable:Dependent Variable: factor that changes as a result of factor that changes as a result of

the independent variablethe independent variable

Analyzing DataAnalyzing Data

Be able to explain what happened in the Be able to explain what happened in the experimentexperiment

Data:Data: The information gathered during an The information gathered during an experimentexperiment

Make sure it Is consistentMake sure it Is consistent The more consistent the more valuable it will The more consistent the more valuable it will

be for drawing conclusionsbe for drawing conclusions In order to make sure information is correct In order to make sure information is correct

you may need to do the experiment more than you may need to do the experiment more than onceonce

Data TablesData Tables

Used to arrange data in a clear, logical Used to arrange data in a clear, logical formform

Could use charts, graphs, tables and Could use charts, graphs, tables and explanationsexplanations

Reporting ResultsReporting Results

You are not finished You are not finished until the results of the until the results of the experiment are experiment are reportedreported

Results must be re-Results must be re-testabletestable

Fill out a Laboratory Fill out a Laboratory Report Form or Create Report Form or Create your ownyour own

It should include:It should include: Title of ExperimentTitle of Experiment Who Performed the Who Performed the

experimentexperiment DateDate PurposePurpose ProcedureProcedure ResultsResults DataData CalculationsCalculations Analysis of ResultsAnalysis of Results ConclusionConclusion

Developing and Revising TheoriesDeveloping and Revising Theories

““No amount of experimentation canprove me No amount of experimentation canprove me right, a single experiment can prove me right, a single experiment can prove me wrong.”wrong.”

Albert EinsteinAlbert Einstein

A hypothesis that is consistently verified may A hypothesis that is consistently verified may be established as a THEORYbe established as a THEORY

Theory:Theory: an explanation based on a body of an explanation based on a body of knowledge gained from many observations knowledge gained from many observations and supported by the results of many and supported by the results of many experimentsexperiments Theories may be refined, broadened or disprovedTheories may be refined, broadened or disproved

Conducting ResearchConducting Research

You need to investigate and research You need to investigate and research others informationothers information

May inspire or guide an experimentMay inspire or guide an experiment First: Choose a Topic that interests First: Choose a Topic that interests

you (think back to the questions you you (think back to the questions you had about food)had about food)

Second: Narrow the focusSecond: Narrow the focus Third: Find the informationThird: Find the information

AssignmentAssignment

Work with a partner or by yourselfWork with a partner or by yourself Create a Poster/Flyer (using your laptop or Create a Poster/Flyer (using your laptop or

paper) Stating and explaining the steps in paper) Stating and explaining the steps in the scientific method and the three step the scientific method and the three step method for conducting researchmethod for conducting research

Put it in your own words, Use things that Put it in your own words, Use things that you think would help you or others you think would help you or others remember itremember it

Be CREATIVEBe CREATIVE Use pictures, colors, etc.Use pictures, colors, etc.

Due Friday (if you do not finish today, you Due Friday (if you do not finish today, you may finish on Friday when you are finished may finish on Friday when you are finished with your other assignment)with your other assignment)