Methods & Models (ADV)

How do scientists learn about the natural world?

SC.7.N.1.5 - Describe the methods used in the pursuit of a scientific explanation as seen in different fields of science such as biology, geology, and physics.

Overview

1. Scientific Method

2. Scientific Explanation in Biology

3. Scientific Explanation in Geology

4. Scientific Explanation in Physics

5. Similarities and Differences

6. Conclusion

7. What is a Scientific Model?

8. Benefits & Limitations of Models

• The scientific method is a general framework for investigating and explaining phenomena.

• This typically involves making observations, formulating hypotheses, conducting experiments or collecting data, analyzing the results, and drawing conclusions.

The Scientific Method

Poll

Is the scientific method a set of instructions on how to conduct an experiment?

• YES! Scientists use the scientific method in the same order every time and do not back track.

• NO! the scientific method is an iterative process, meaning that scientists may revisit and modify their hypotheses or experiments based on new evidence or feedback from the scientific community.

Open Ended

What steps of the scientific method do you remember?

• Observing and studying living organisms

• Conduction experiments to test hypotheses

• Using tools like microscopes to analyze cells

​

Scientific Explanation in Biology

Multiple Select

Which of the following parts of the scientific method do Biologists use?

• Formation of a Hypothesis

• Experimentation/Data Collection

• Analysis

• Observation & Question

• Studying earth's materials and processes

• Analyzing Rock formations and fossils

• Conduction field work and lab experiments

Scientific Explanation in Geology

Multiple Select

Which of the following parts of the scientific method do Geologists use?

• Formation of a Hypothesis

• Experimentation/Data Collection

• Analysis

• Observation & Question

• Studying matter, energy, and forces

• Conducting experiments to test theories.

• Using mathematical models to explain phenomena

Scientific Explanation in Physics

Multiple Select

Which of the following parts of the scientific method do Physicists use?

• Formation of a Hypothesis

• Experimentation/Data Collection

• Analysis

• Observation & Question

Similarities and Differences

• All fields use the scientific method!

• Each field focuses on a different aspect of the natural world

• Researchers from different fields collaborate to tackle complex scientific questions that require expertise from multiple disciplines.

  • For example, studying climate change may involve collaboration between biologists, geologists, and physicists to understand its impacts on ecosystems, geology, and atmospheric physics.

Open Ended

What are some similarities and differences between the scientific explanations in biology, geology, and physics? Answer in complete sentences.

Conclusion

• Key points

  • Scientists may revisit and modify their hypotheses or experiments based on new evidence or feedback from the scientific community.

  • Collaboration between fields is common

  • Each field focuses on a different part of the natural world

  • Each field uses the scientific method but in different ways.

Conclusion

• The importance of scientific explanations

  • Understanding natural processes

  • Building prior knowledge

  • Validation of scientific explanations

  • Making predictions

  • Problem-solving and innovation

  • Peer review and collaboration

  • Scientific progress

Open Ended

Why is the scientific method important in finding answers?

Scientific Models

SC.7.N.3.2 - Identify the benefits and limitations of the use of scientific models.

• A model is a simplified representation or explanation of a real-world phenomenon or system

• Models help scientists test hypotheses, make predictions, and communicate their findings to others.

What is a Scientific Model?

Benefits:
- too small to see
- Able to label the different parts

Limitations:
- not to scale
- doesn't always give all the information about cells

Parts of a Cell

​Benefits & Limitations of Models

Solar System

Microscope

Benefits:
- too big to see
- too dangerous to study

Limitations:
- not to scale
- can be miss leading
- doesn't always give all the information about the solar system

Benefits:
- labels the different parts

Limitations:
- doesn't always give all the information about a microscope

Benefits:
- too dangerous to study
- label the parts

Limitations:
- not always to scale
- doesn't always give us all the information

Model Volcano

Weather Model

Crash Test Dummies

Benefits:
- too complex to study
- Helps make predictions

Limitations:
- doesn't always give all the information

Benefits:
- too dangerous to study
- too complex to study
- shows movement of things too fast to see
- Helps make predictions

Limitations:
- doesn't always give all the information

​Benefits & Limitations of Models

Categorize

Options (6)

Show motions of things that move too fast to see

Not always the correct temp.

Study objects that are too large to see

Not always to scale

Can be used to make predictions

2D representing a 3D object

Organize these options into the right categories according to whether they are a benefit or a limitation of a model.

Benefit

Limitation

Categorize

Options (6)

Can be misleading

Doesn't always give all the information about the object

Study objects that are too dangrous

Study objects that are too complex

Able to label different parts of an object

Study objects that are too small to see

Organize these options into the right categories according to whether they are a benefit or a limitation of a model.

Benefit

Limitation