1.2 scientific investigations - pioneer...

Unit 1 Lesson 2 Scientific Investigations

Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company


Florida Benchmarks


•  SC.7.N.1.1 Define a problem from the seventh grade curriculum, use appropriate reference materials to support scientific understanding, plan and carry out scientific investigation of various types, such as systematic observations of experiments, identify variables, collect and organize data, interpret data in charts, tables, and graphics, analyze information, make predictions, and defend conclusions.


Florida Benchmarks


•  SC.7.N.1.2 Differentiate replication (by others) from repetition (multiple trials).

•  SC.7.N.1.3 Distinguish between an experiment

(which must involve the identification and control of variables) and other forms of scientific investigation and explain that not all scientific knowledge is derived from experimentation.

•  SC.7.N.1.4 Identify test variables (independent

variables) and outcome variables (dependent variables) in an experiment.


Florida Benchmarks


•  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.

•  LA.6.4.2.2 The student will record information

(e.g., observations, notes, lists, charts, legends) related to a topic, including visual aids to organize and record information and include a list of sources used.

Parts of a Whole


What are some types of scientific investigations? •  Two basic types of scientific investigations are experiments and observations.

•  Experiments are often based on observations.


What are some types of scientific investigations? •  An experiment is an organized procedure to

study something under controlled conditions. •  Many experiments are done in a laboratory, where

variables are easier to control. •  Experiments are also done in the field, where it is

easier to show how certain processes act in nature.



What are some types of scientific investigations? •  Some scientific investigations involve only

observation. Observation is the process of obtaining information by using the senses.

•  Making a model may be part of a scientific

investigation. •  Models are useful for studying things that are very

small, large, or complex.



Parts of a Whole


What are some parts of scientific investigations? •  Scientific investigations share certain basic

elements. •  A hypothesis is a testable explanation that leads

to a scientific investigation. •  To be useful, a hypothesis has to be testable in a

practical and meaningful way.


What are some parts of scientific investigations? •  The factors that change in a scientific investigation

are called the variables. •  An independent variable is also called the test

variable, and is the factor that is deliberately changed in the experiment.

•  A dependent variable is also called the outcome

variable, and is the factor that changes as a result of how the independent variable is changed.



What are some parts of scientific investigations? •  Data are information gathered by observation or

experimentation that can be used in calculating or reasoning.

•  Scientists analyze data to understand the

relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable.

•  Based on their analysis of the data, scientists

draw conclusions about the hypothesis.



Many Methods


What are some scientific methods?

•  Scientific investigations do not always follow exactly the same steps in the same order.

•  Some of the steps can be repeated.



•  Here are some steps in scientific methods:

•  Defining a problem •  Forming a hypothesis and making predictions •  Planning an investigation




•  Identifying variables

•  Collecting and organizing data

•  Interpreting data and analyzing information •  Drawing and defending conclusions



Make It Work


How are scientific methods used?

•  Scientists determine the best way to test a hypothesis, choosing an experiment, an observation, or a combination of both.

•  Even when an investigation does not support a

hypothesis, the data can help scientists shape future investigations.



•  Scientists often go through many cycles of testing and analyzing before they arrive at a hypothesis that is supported.

•  The scientific method can be used to help scientists learn about animals that died out millions of years ago.




•  Finding more fossils can provide the data scientists need to support their hypotheses.



Quality Control


What are some characteristics of good scientific investigations? •  Certain checks help ensure that good scientific

practices are followed. •  Experiments must be verified by repetition and

replication. •  Results must be reviewed by other scientists not

involved in the investigation.


How is repetition different from replication? •  Repetition is done when the same scientist

repeats the study in the same location. •  Replication is done when other scientists

reproduce the study in different locations.



How can you evaluate the quality of scientific information? •  Peer-reviewed scientific journals are the most

reliable. •  Books written by scientists about their field of

study are trustworthy. •  Government or academic web pages are the most

reliable Internet sources. •  Commercial web pages are often unreliable.



1.2 scientific investigations - pioneer...

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