MYP1 What Do Scientists Do?

​What do scientists Do?

​What do scientists Do?

​In this unit, we explored what it means to be a scientist. We explored how to carry out investigations through drafting testable questions, identifying variables, and describing how is a laboratory different from other settings.

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Before we move on ​to the next unit, let's have a recap of the lessons we have covered.

Consider these questions:

​FACTUAL: How do scientists behave? How is a laboratory different? What is an experiment?

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CONCEPTUAL: ​How are scientific theories made?

​

DEBATABLE: Can science tell us everything we need to know?​

​In this unit, we explored the following questions:

Multiple Choice

What do scientists do to better understand the world?

• They find a problem and then try to solve it.

• They do research using reliable sources.

• They make their hypothesis.

Multiple Choice

How do scientists do research?

• By studying or using reference materials.

• Asking the neighbor.

• Writing what they believe is true.

Multiple Choice

What are reference materials?

• Books

• Encyclopedias

• Scientific magazines or journals

• All of them are correct

Multiple Choice

What do scientists CAN'T do during research process?

• Use random internet or other sources.

• Watch a documentary with reliable information.

• Read other scientists experiment results.

Multiple Choice

How observations are made?

• With your senses

• With lab tools

• Both of them are correct

Multiple Choice

What is the First step of the scientific method?

• Ask a question

• Draw conclusions

• Make a hypothesis

Multiple Choice

Scientific investigations usually begin with

• making observations and defining problems

• making hypotheses and designing experiments

• making conclusions and sharing results

• gathering data and analyzing it

Multiple Choice

Looking at science journals to see what other scientists have found out:

• research

• analysis

• inferring

• observing

Multiple Choice

Using your senses to gather information:

• inference

• hypothesis

• conclusion

• observation

Multiple Choice

A hypothesis is a type of

• observation

• prediction

• conclusion

• analysis

Multiple Choice

Scientists must research sources that are

• exciting

• new

• reliable

• original

Multiple Choice

A valid hypothesis must be

• true

• testable

• part of a scientific law

• a random guess

Multiple Choice

Microscopes, telescopes, and thermometers are some of the tools that help scientists make:

• observations

• opinions

• hypotheses

• conclusions

How Do Scientists Behave?

​Scientific Behaviors

Behaviors are the ways in which one acts or conducts oneself repeatedly. Scientists behave and think in specific ways, finding patterns and inferences from observations. Over time, the collective effort of scientists produces a body of reliable knowledge that can be used to improve our quality of life. This progress begins with a few simple attitudes and behaviors.

​Scientific Behaviors

Curiosity is the urge (wanting) to know and understand the natural world. A baby is born with so much curiosity. Over time, most people come to understand that things act in a specific way, and are satisfied with that. Scientists are not. Their curiosity leads them to study how things in the natural world behave, why, and what factors might affect them. And this requires a certain degree of creativity.

Curiosity

​Scientific Behaviors

Thinking of reasons how things work requires a creative and imaginative mind. Creating a hypothesis that can explain an event, and then writing a step by step experiment to test that hypothesis is important to doing science. This creativity, or mental agility, must also recognize factors that affect the experiment. Alexander Fleming is a famous example of this attribute. When his bacterial cultures were contaminated by fungi, he noticed that the fungi killed bacteria in his samples. This observation led to the discovery of anti bacterial medicine.

Creativity and Imagination

​Scientific Behaviors

Fleming's discovery also points to skill in observation, another important characteristic of good scientists. Much scientific progress has been fueled by observing and recording natural events, even when those observations seem unimportant at first. Often their importance becomes clear only after new discoveries and development of new tools.

Keen Observation

​Scientific Behaviors

Skepticism the behavior of scientists to check whether scientific results are accurate and the experiment was fair. There might be a flaw in the experimental process, or the way the observations were conducted. The results might conflict with those of similar experiments performed by other scientists, or there might be a hypothesis that better explains the experiment's results. This is why scientists can have a doubtful behavior to ensure that science is done in an unbiased manner.

Skepticism

Multiple Choice

Yuma found that after 3 trials of experiment, she realized that her independent variable affects her dependent variable. She consulted with Lisa to check again her work because she worries there might be something wrong.

What behavior did Yuma show?

• Keen Observation

• Creativity

• Skepticism

• Curiosity

Multiple Choice

Hinowa saw that each time the water drops, it creates a dome. She researched how did it work and where else can it be seen in nature.

What behavior did Hinowa show?

• Keen Observation

• Creativity

• Skepticism

• Curiosity

Multiple Choice

A person who hears about a news and don't believe it right away. Instead, he looked for other reliable sources of information to verify if it was true.

What behavior is this?

• Keen Observation

• Creativity

• Skepticism

• Curiosity

Multiple Choice

Michi imagined how different materials when combined produced smoke, gas, and changed their color. She thought of the many ways it works and then combined all the different research into a unique experiment.

What behavior did Michi show?

• Keen Observation

• Creativity

• Skepticism

• Curiosity

Multiple Choice

A mystery box appeared at your table and you measured its mass, used magnets to see if its a metal, and shaked it to know what it sounds like.

What behavior is this?

• Keen Observation

• Creativity

• Skepticism

• Curiosity

Multiple Choice

You saw how your friend played with a toy plane. You tried to research how to improve its flight time. You investigated and searched for several answers and you finally made a suggestion on how to improve the toy plane.

What behavior is this?

• Keen Observation

• Creativity

• Skepticism

• Curiosity

Multiple Choice

Shion used her senses and used tools to define and describe how specific animals are unique. She used a microscope to look at their skin, light to observe their color, and sense of smell to describe the animal.

What behavior did Shion show?

• Keen Observation

• Creativity

• Skepticism

• Curiosity

How is a Laboratory Different?

How is a Laboratory Different?

Labortatory is different from a regular classroom. A laboratory is specially equipped room where all the equipment and apparatus the scientists need is available.

How is a Laboratory Different?

In laboratories, we behave differently. Sometimes we carry out experiments using materials and techniques that could be dangerous if we do not use them in the correct way.

How is a Laboratory Different?

It is important that befire we do an experiment:

• you listen to the instructions carefully

• you familiarize yourself with the equipment before you begin

• you keep your workspaces clean and tidy​

Multiple Choice

Identify this laboratory tool.

• glass rod

• wall thermometer

• laboratory thermometer

• clinical thermometer

Multiple Choice

Identify this laboratory tool.

• beaker

• graduated cylinder

• Erlenmeyer flask

• test tube

Fill in the Blanks

Multiple Choice

Which of the following laboratory tools is used to measure the mass of an object?

Multiple Choice

Which laboratory tool should NOT be used in measuring the volume of liquids?

Multiple Choice

What is the function of this funnel?

• to mix liquid or solutions

• to transfer liquid into a container with a small opening

• to make tiny objects appear bigger

• to support another apparatus during heating set-up

Multiple Choice

• erlenmeyer flask

• test tube

• graduated cylinder

• beaker

Multiple Choice

Which of the following pieces of chemistry lab equipment produces a flame from gas that is used for heating substances?

• Bunsen burner

• induction cooker

• crucible

• stove

Multiple Choice

What is a mortar and pestle used for?

• Crushing and grinding solids into a powder

• Heating substances

• Scooping up solids such as powder

Multiple Choice

These tools hold the apparatus being heated.

• flasks and beakers

• graduated cylinder

• test tube holders and tongs

• lamp and burner

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT allowed in the laboratory?

• tasting the white powder

• cleaning after experiment

• using your computer

Multiple Choice

It holds small samples and is used in performing small-scale reaction.

• graduated cylinder

• wire gauze

• weather thermometer

• test tube

Multiple Choice

What tool is this?

• Microscope

• Test Tube and Holder

• Magnifying Glass

• Beaker

Multiple Choice

Use to magnify small objects

• magnifying glass

• flask

Multiple Choice

What does a Beaker do?

• hold, heat and mix chemicals.

• used to strongly heat substances in the flame of Bunsen Burner. it is 50% more bigger than a test tube.

Multiple Choice

What does a Bunsen Burner do?

• acts as a heat source as it has an open flame.

• heat small quantities with very high temperatures.

Multiple Choice

What does an Erlenmeyer Flask do?

• protects eyes from hazardous chemicals.

• wide base, narrow mouth, hold/heat, transport and store liquids.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT as important in the laboratory?

• knowing the exit doors

• tying your hair up (for girls)

• using your computer

Open Ended

Why should students avoid listening to music in the laboratory?

Open Ended

Should you throw chemicals in the sink? Why or why not?

What is an experiment?

​Science experiments follow the scientific method.

1. Testable Questions​

​Science can begin with testable questions where you write down the variables you are investigating on.

Independent Variable (IV)= manipulated at the start of the experiment

​

Dependent Variable (DV) = the outcome of the change (independent V)​

Example: Will the length of the wing (IV) of paper air plane affect its flight distance? (DV)

1. Testable Questions​ Format

​We only change one variable for our independent variable because we want to make sure that it is responsible for the dependent variable or the outcome of the experiment.

Multiple Choice

How do plants grow? 

• Testable
• Nontestable

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What amount of sunlight is best to grow daffodils? 

• Testable
• Nontestable

Multiple Choice

How does the surface on which a car moves affect how fast it goes? 

• testable
• nontestable

Multiple Choice

How does changing the shape of a kite affect it's ability to fly? 

• testable
• nontestable

Multiple Choice

Why is eating junk food bad for your health? 

• testable
• nontestable

Multiple Choice

Are cats better than dogs? 

• testable 
• nontestable

Multiple Choice

Why do we want to test one variable at a time?

• Because it is hard to setup a data table with more than one
• It keeps the experiment fair and you can see what caused the change
• It is what has always been done
• It makes the results better in an experiment

Multiple Choice

What is an observation you can make from this picture?

• The man is scared
• The man is going to get eaten
• There is a man in a kayak
• The man is paddling fast

Multiple Choice

What is an inference you can make from the following picture?

• There are footprints.
• The person was dizzy.
• The footprints are black.
• There are dots.

Multiple Choice

Testable or Not Testable: Will larger or smaller seeds germinate faster?

• Testable

• Not Testable

Multiple Choice

Testable or Not Testable: How does the width of a helicopter blade affect the speed?

• Testable

• Not Testable

Multiple Choice

Testable or Not Testable: How do trees grow?

• Testable

• Not Testable

2. Hypothesis

Hypothesis is a proposed explanation or prediction on the basis of limited evidence as a starting point for the experiment. It follows the format, IF...THEN...BECAUSE...

Example: I predict that if the plane's wings are longer, it should fly further because the long wings can glide on the wind. ​

Notice that the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE COMES FIRST

Then the DEPENDENT VARIABLE is written after

Then the short explanation why.​

2. Hypothesis

is a testable statement about the relationship between two or more variables in an experiment. It can be verified to be true after the experiment or be considered wrong if the data suggests it to be wrong.

​

Only the experiment can say if the hypothesis iscorrect or wrong.

Multiple Choice

What is a hypothesis?

• the thing changed on purpose in the experiment

• an explanation about what you observed

• using your 5 senses to gather data

• an educated guess about the outcome of an experiment

Multiple Choice

What two words should be in your hypothesis?

• I think

• If ...then...

• It will

• No idea

Multiple Choice

What variable comes after the word IF

• independent variable

• dependent variable

Multiple Choice

What variable comes after the word then?

• independent variable

• dependent variable

Multiple Choice

When is a hypothesis written?

• before you decide on a question

• after the experiment

• before the experiment

• after the conclusion

Multiple Choice

Choose the correctly written hypothesis for "What is the effect of putting Pam Cooking Spray on the bottom of a sled?"

• I think the sled will slide faster.

• If I put Pam Cooking Spray on the bottom of my sled, then I will win the race."

• If I put Pam Cooking Spray on the bottom of my sled, then I will slide faster.

Multiple Choice

The independent variable is

• the part the scientist measures

• the part the scientist changes or is testing

• a letter

Multiple Choice

The dependent variable is the part

• the letter in the equation

• the part being changed

• the part being measured

Multiple Choice

Which hypothesis is correctly written?

• I think I will do well on my test today, because I ate a good breakfast.

• If I eat a good breakfast, then I will do well on my test today.

• If I eat a good breakfast, then I will earn a passing grade on my test today.

• If I do well on my test today, I get to out to eat for breakfast.

Multiple Choice

A hypothesis is never wrong.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Which step in the scientific method comes after writing the hypothesis?

• Test hypothesis

• Ask Questions

• Draw Conclusions

• Share Results

3. Experiment (Step by Step Procedures​)

To know whether the hypothesis is correct or not, we will create a step by step procedure. Here we need to identify the materials and tools you will need, the actions you will take, and the safety precautions you need to remember.

3. Experiment Procedure (Example)

1. Prepare 3 kinds of paper of the same thickness: one B4, one A4, and one B5 paper.

2. Fold the paper in half lengthwise like in the image below. (insert image)

6. Find an empty space with minimal wind, make sure to inform people around of the experiment to avoid accidents.

7. Let the airplanes fly. Measure the distance travelled.

8. Repeat step 7 for two more times and get the average.

Multiple Choice

Experiment: How does the flavor of ice cream affect the speed of melting?

The flavor of ice cream is the ___________ variable.

• independent

• dependent

Multiple Choice

Experiment: Does changing the wing shape to make it more narrow affect the distance a paper airplane will fly?

The wing shape is the ___________ variable.

• independent

• dependent

Multiple Choice

Experiment: How does watching TV during studying affect a student’s test grades?

The students grades are the ___________ variable.

• independent
• dependent

Multiple Choice

An experiment is performed on plants to see how different liquids affect plant growth. Each plant in the experiment is given a different liquid; water, apple juice, or milk. Each plant has the same amount of soil, sunlight, and listens to the same music. In this investigation, the independent variable is ...

• The type of plant
• The amount of sunlight
• The type of music
• The type of liquid

Multiple Choice

A student performed an experiment that tested how many days it takes different types of grass seed to grow to a height of two inches. Four types of grass seed were tested, and the student recorded the number of days for each type to grow. Use this information to answer the next question.

What should be held constant in this experiment?

• amount of sunlight, amount of water, and type of soil

• amount of sunlight

• amount of water and type of soil

• amount of water

Multiple Choice

A student is studying the effect of sunlight on plants. The student developed this hypothesis: Plants need light to make food and to grow properly. To conduct a controlled experiment, which method should she use?

• Choose two identical plants; put one in the dark and one near sunlight; use the same amount of water; water both regularly

• Choose a healthy plant; put it in a dark place; use clean water; water the plant regularly.

• Choose two identical plants; put each in the dark for 12 hours and then light for 12 hours; use the same amount of water; water both regularly.

• Choose three identical plants; put one in the dark, one near sunlight, and one in the shade, water only the plant in light.

Multiple Choice

The step by step directions of the experiment are found in the:

• hypothesis
• conclusion
• procedure
• data table

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to collect data?

• in order to share your results with others

• it gives you busy work

• They are magically delicious

Multiple Choice

An educated guess is

• an observation
• question
• hypothesis
• experiment

Multiple Choice

What does every scientific experiment begin with?

• a hypothesis
• a conclusion
• procedures
• a question or problem

Multiple Choice

The summary at the end of an experiment that explains the results. 

• conclusion
• procedures
• materials
• responding variable

Multiple Choice

The __________________________________ is the organized way scientists answer questions and solve problems.

• scientific method

• scientific explanation

• scientific notation

• scientific guesses

Multiple Choice

Another word for prediction or educated guess is: ________________

• hypothesis
• conclusion
• experiment
• data

Multiple Choice

When should you write a hypothesis?

• After writing procedures

• After making observations and doing research on a question/problem

• After buying materials for an experiment

• At the very beginning of the experiment

Multiple Choice

Which is NOT a step in the scientific method?

• Make observation
• Form a theory
• Collect data
• Form a hypothesis

Multiple Choice

Testing a hypothesis often involves a(n):

• answer
• experiment
• problem
• safety check

Multiple Choice

After you write your conclusion, it is important to share your results with others. 

• True
• False 

Multiple Choice

The scientific method is made up of several:

• stones
• experiments
• problems
• steps