Scientific Method

Scientific Method #GoBioRams

What are the steps to solving a scientific problem?

You can follow along

in our on-line textbook

https://flexbooks.ck12.org/cbook/ck-12-biology-flexbook-2.0/section/1.1/primary/lesson/scientific-investigation-bio

Simply put

this is how we solve a scientific problem.

For those of you who like earworms

we did share with you a song to help you remember.

The first step to solving a scientific problem, is to make some observations.

Remember those three (3) videos that I wanted you to watch for homework?

In the chat, I want you to write out one (1) thing you observed for each of the videos.

Ready?

In the chat, write one observation

that you made while watching this first video.

In the chat, write one observation

that you made while watching this second video.

In the chat, write one observation

that you made while watching this final video.

Next step in solving a scientific problem

is to ask a question.

Here are my questions: 

What happens if I change one thing? Will I get the same results?

Now I need to make an educated prediction.

We call this educated prediction a hypothesis.

Unfortunately, many people don't use the words hypothesis or theory correctly.

Hypo- = under or before
-thesis = set down

Poll

Which word should you correctly use BEFORE doing an experiment?

• Use the word theory or set down.

• Use the word hypothesis or before set down.

Let's review what we have learned so far about the scientific method:

• 1- You make observations.

• 2- You ask questions.

• 3- You come up with a hypothesis or before set down.

• Next, you have to design an experiment.

Let's imagine that you want to know what happens if you change the liquid in this experiment.

Instead of water, you want to use soda.

Your hypothesis (or before set down) would be

that you think you will get the same results.

You now need to consider a few more things:

You need a control group, which is easy since that is the experiment that is shown to you during the video.

Next, you need an experimental group.

This is also easy because it is what you are planning to do during the experiment, which is to substitute the water for soda.

Let's keep track of what we already have:

• 1- Observations.

• 2- Questions.

• 3- A hypothesis (before set down).

• 4- A control group.

• 5- An experimental group.

• Now, how are your going to measure what happened?

Measuring data is really important in science.

You can have a qualitative piece of data = measure a quality such as color.

Measuring data is really important in science.

You can have a quantitative piece of data = measure a quantity such as how far the color travels.

Measuring data is really important in science.

BEFORE you start an experiment, you need to know what you are measuring:

Qualitative = a quality such as color
OR
Quantitative = a quantity such as distance

Measuring data is really important in science.

BEFORE you start an experiment, you also need to figure out what equipment you need to use to measure what you observe; examples, a photograph or ruler.

Measuring data is really important in science.

BEFORE you start an experiment, you also need to figure out what units you will be using; examples of fuchsia or hot pink or centimeters or millimeters.

Reviewing- BEFORE you do an experiment you need to have done the following:

• Made observations.

• Have some questions that you would like to answer during the experiment.

• Have a hypothesis (before set down).

Reviewing- BEFORE you do an experiment you need to have done the following:

• Have a control group.

• Have an experimental group.

• Know what data or information you are measuring.

• Know how you will be measuring this data or information.

• Know what units you will use when measuring your data or information.

Before we continue to discuss more details about doing an experiment

You need to select your first research team.

You will need to email me who is in your first research team.

Each group should be made up of a maximum of 4 people.

B7 will have 5 groups total with 1 group made up of 4 people.
W4 will have 4 groups total with each group made up of 4 people.

Let's review-

• We talked about the scientific method and how we use it to solve science problems.

• The first step in the process is to make observations.

• The next step is to ask questions about what you see.

• Then, you come up with a hypothesis (before set down) of what you think would happen if...

Let's review-

• Then, you need a control group.

• You need an experimental group.

• You need to know what you will be measuring during your experiment.

• Is it a quality or qualitative measurement? example - color

• Is it a quantity or quantitative measurement? example - a number like distance travelled

Let's review-

• What equipment do you need to make these measurements? A photograph? A ruler? Something else?

• What units will you collect? Colors? Centimeters? Millimeters?

Let's review-

• Finally, you need a research team to help you design and complete your experiment.

• Please email me with the names of the people who are going to be on your first research team.

For those of you who want to work ahead

I have shared with you in GC what our pre-lab should look like.
You can discuss this with your first research team, if you would like.

Are there any questions?

If not, see you next week.

Finish any work that you haven't completed.

Turn that work in, please.