Transcript The Scientific Method - Metcalfe County Schools

1.
What do you think you will be studying in
Biology?
1. What is the scientific method?
2. What does the word BIOLOGY mean?








Hypothesis- educated guess
Independent Variable- given to the experimental
group, controlled by scientist
Dependent Variable- measured by scientist,
experiment outcome
Control group- receives no independent variable
Experimental group- receives independent
variable
Theory- explains how and why nature works, many
hypotheses proven multiple times
Law-explains what nature does under certain
conditions, but does not explain why (math laws)
Scientific Method- way scientists investigate





GRAPHING
1. OBSERVE the gummy bears, and GUESS
how many of each color you have. WRITE
this down.
2.CREATE a Bar Graph, with your prediction.
3. GRAPH the actual number of bears you
have.
T
A
L
K
S
Make observations
Formulate Hypothesis
Perform and experiment
Gather Data
Form Conclusions

Observations are based on:

Senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch)

Prior knowledge

An educated guess or
prediction based off
observations or prior
research.


Experiments are designed
to prove/disprove the
hypothesis using a
CONTROLLED experiment.
A controlled experiment
only has one variable.

Variable- something that
can be manipulated or
changed.


1. Control Group-no variable applied.
2. Experimental Group-variable applied.



In order to measure only one variable, groups must be
identical to one another, except for the variable.
1. Independent Variable-manipulated by
experimenter (YOU CONTROL THIS), given to
experimental group.
2. Dependent Variable-measured by the
experimenter, it depends on the independent
variable (YOU MEASURE THIS).

During the experiment it is important to
write everything down.
1. Collect data during experiment.
2. Interpret data and results.
3. Make calculations, measurements, etc.



Determine if your hypothesis is
correct/incorrect.
The purpose of a conclusion is to
prove/disprove your hypothesis.
One experiment is typically not enough,
multiple trials are run to ensure validity of
results.
Make observations
Formulate Hypothesis
Perform and experiment
Gather Data
Form Conclusions
If I want to know which type of feed (oats or
pellets) would put weight on a group of 30
horses faster, what should I do?
Hypothesis:
Control Group:
Experimental Group:
Independent Variable:
Dependent Variable:



Place the steps of the scientific method in
sequential order.
Hint: Sequential is the adj. for sequence.
Place post it on the yellow sheet with your
first and last name.


Pfizer is thinking of testing a new anti-aging
drug. They ask you an expert researcher to
design an experiment for them to determine
whether or not the drug “Stay Young” works.
Complete the following:


State Hypothesis
Create an experiment
 Control group & experimental group
 Determine independent & dependent variable


Inquiry- you investigate your hypothesis by
designing your own unique experiment.
Constants:
Variable:


A WKU professor was conducting a research
trial to see what type of therapy would be
the best to use to help depressed clients.
She got two groups of patients, used two
different therapies, and recorded her
results.
Why was this not a controlled experiment
with respect to control and experimental
groups, independent and dependent
variables, and validity of results?



Driving home I realize that birds in Summer
Shade are growing three wings instead of
two. I also notice that they are drinking
from water with a purplish tinge.
Propose a hypothesis.
Set up an experiment: Label control and
experimental groups, independent and
dependent variable.



Hypothesis-educated guess based on
predictions
Law
Theory- a well-tested concept that has been
proven many times.


The hypothesis/hypotheses always remain true.
Examples: Cell Theory and Evolutionary Theory




Science is always changing with new
technologies and new experimentation.
Science is based on fact not opinion.
Always be open-minded, question the known
and unknown.
The goal of the scientific method is to
investigate, understand, and explain events
in the natural world and use these
explanations to make further predictions.








1. __ variable given to experimental group
2. __ group that receives no variable
3. __ educated guess
4. __ believed by many, explains why something
happens
5. __ variable measured in the experiment
6. __ states what is going to happen, but not why
7. __ group that is compared to the control group
8. __ term to describe how scientists study
nature

Online Stopwatch

X
Y
X
Y







Composed of Cells
Levels of
Organization
Metabolism- use
energy
Respond to the
Environment/ Stimuli
Growth
Reproduction
Adapt to
Environment







Cells-smallest unit of life; structure dictates
function
Reproduction-necessary for species survival
Metabolism-chemical reactions needed to
gain energy
Homeostasis- the body’s ability to maintain a
constant environment. (Warm vs. Cold blooded)
Heredity- passing of traits from parents to
offspring
Evolution-change over time for species’
benefit
Interdependence- all species rely/interact on
one another within an environment.