Transcript Scientific Method - Grayslake Central High School

Biology:
The living world is where you want
to be!!
It answers
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How do we get seeds for seedless
watermelons?
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How do cats purr?
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How do squid & octopi change color?
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Are there any green mammals?
Biology is all around you !
Oncologist
Can cancer be caused by sexual
activities?
Physical Therapist
Is there a difference between
golf and tennis elbow?
Forensics
Are the animals being sold
endangered species?
Fisheries
Why are there no bass in this
lake?
Pediatrician
Is breast feeding better for my child?
Microbiologist
How can I improve the flavor
of yogurt?
Physiologist
How do birds fly at high altitudes?
But I’ am going to be a __________!
18 - 55
Die
13- 18
Retire
Grade
5-13
High
Born
0-5
Work
55- 67 74
The average worker changes
careers five times.
Is it real?
The Fine Art of Baloney
Detection
Debunking junk science
Courtesy of Carl Sagan
What is the scientific method?
An ongoing method to explain natural
phenomena, perceived reality.
By eliminating choices it leaves
one that has the highest
probability of occurring.
It is not a way to prove something is
true.
A fire breathing dragon lives in my garage.
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“Show me.”
“I can’t its invisible.”
“Spread flour on the
floor so we can see the
footprints”
“I can’t it floats in the
air. And by the way,
the fire is heatless”
What is the difference between an
invisible, floating dragon that spits
heatless fire and one that does not
exist?
Science
 If
the statement or ideas cannot
be tested using the scientific
method, they cannot be
considered credible science and
must be taken as science fiction
or opinion. Urban Myths.
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http://www.snopes.com/
Scientific Method:
PHERC: Purpose
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OBSERVATIONS lead to
questions.
These questions direct the
purpose of the experiment or
research.
Are you observant?
PHERC: Hypothesis
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Testable
“If … then…”
Identifies the effect the Independent Variable has on
the Dependent Variable.
IV : Scientist changes
DV: Responds to IV
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“If ____ (IV), then
____________(DV) .”
PHERC: Experiment
Control
Experimental Group
Independent Variable
(manipulated)
Dependent Variable
(responding)
Validity
Repetition
Large sample sizes
Minimize variables
Mastermind
PHERC: Results
A
record of
the effect of
the IV on the
DV.
PHERC: Results
Analyze the data: How does it relate to the hypothesis?
4
3.5
Bites per
hour
3
2.5
Placebo
2
Garlic
DEET
1.5
1
0.5
0
Hour 1
Hour 2
Hour 3
PHERC: Conclusion
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Supports/Disproves Hypothesis
Compare your results to others
Explain how the data looks like it
does
Further considerations
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