The Scientific Method

1. The Scientific Method

2. In “The Sceptical Chymist” The Skeptical Chemist (1661) Boyle stated that scientific speculation was worthless unless it was supported by experimental evidence. Robert Boyle This principle led to the development of the scientific method.

3. Scientific Method is a way to solve problems. Do you have any problems to solve? • Any big or any small ones?

4. Parts of the Scientific Method Identify a problem . Research the problem Make a hypothesis (a testable prediction). Experiment to test the hypothesis. Draw a valid conclusion.

5. Scientific Method Make observation My car will not start Research Look in Books, ask neighbors, go on line Car is out of gas Battery is dead Bad alternator Bad solonoid Develop hypothesis If the battery is DEAD then the car will not start because there is no electricity Wysession, Frank, Yancopoulos, Physical Science Concepts in Action, 2004, page 8

6. variable any factor that could influence the result A Scientific Experiment procedure the order of events in an experiment; the “recipe” Experiments must be controlled; they must have two set-ups that must differ by only one variable. The conclusion must be based on the data.

7. Data There are two types of data. Observations are also called data. qualitative data quantitative data descriptions; measurements; no numbers must have numbers and UNITS

8. Identify the Qualitative and Quantitative Data • Car lights dim when the battery is low • The battery produces 12 volts dc • The gas tank contains 5 gallons of gas • The green apples are acidic. • The solution contains 4 grams of sugar • The high frequency sound damages ears • High Brass contains at least 65% zinc

9. Make observation Scientific Method Research Develop hypothesis Test hypothesis with an experiment Replace battery Attempt to start the car Revise hypothesis Analyze data and draw Conclusions Car did not start Hypothesis is NOT supported Wysession, Frank, Yancopoulos, Physical Science Concepts in Action, 2004, page 8

10. Make observation Scientific Method Research If we replace the alternator then it will start because it will convert mechanical energy to electrical energy Test hypothesis with an experiment Replace the alternator Attempt to start the car Test hypothesis with further experiments Analyze data and draw Conclusions Car starts Hypothesis IS supported Wysession, Frank, Yancopoulos, Physical Science Concepts in Action, 2004, page 8

11. Make observation Scientific Method Ask question Develop hypothesis Test hypothesis with an experiment Test hypothesis with further experiments Revise hypothesis Analyze data and draw conclusions Hypothesis IS supported Hypothesis is NOT supported Develop theory Wysession, Frank, Yancopoulos, Physical Science Concepts in Action, 2004, page 8

12. Everyday Science

13. Question What does the scientist want to learn more about? First Then Research Gathering of information Scientific Method A Review Next Hypothesis An “Educated” guess of an answer to the question Then Procedure/ Method Written and carefully followed step-by-step experiment designed to test the hypothesis Next Data Information collected during the experiment And And Observations Written description of what was noticed during the experiment Finally Conclusion Was the hypothesis correct or incorrect?

14. An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

15. Does and an apple a day keep you healthy? Hypothesis If you eat an apple a day then you will be healthy because apples contain vitamins that help the body fight diseases. Experiment Have two very large groups of people testing. One group eats an apple a day the other does not eat apples. Data Track the health of each group for an extended period. Conclusion

16. An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away From the side of your bed if aimed at his head

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19. SCIENTIFIC METHOD How do scientists do what they do? Well, YOU know because you're a scientist, too! Observation is an important part-- in fact it's the part at the very start. For it's observation that causes you to wonder why earthworms do what they do and clouds form in the sky.

20. SCIENTIFIC METHOD Your hypothesis is a "best guess" based on what you know about how things work--now you're ready to go! Experimentation lets you test the hypothesis you've made-- to see if your best guess can make the grade. And because variation is found in nature everywhere

21. SCIENTIFIC METHOD repeated trials should be done, and done with care. And don't forget to decide what variables you'll test. You change the independent variables, but not the rest. Recording your data is very important, too; so you can analyze the results and others can repeat what you do

22. SCIENTIFIC METHOD When you've summarized your results and your experiment is done, you'll have more information about nature and you'll have had some fun. So, now you know that the scientific method is really cool, and that scientists don't just measure--they RULE!

23. The Scientific Attitude

24. “This attitude is one of inquiry, experimentation, honesty, and a faith that all natural phenomena can be explained.”