scientific inquiry & problem solving

Scientific Inquiry &

Problem Solving

Chapter 1: Lesson1Kimberly Davis

Honors Chemistry

Bell-ringer Activity• Pick up one of each of the handouts from the

bookcase quietly. • Find your student # on the class roster on the

door. • Have a seat in the desk that has the same # on it.• Complete the Student Information Card.

Name: ClassE-mail: PeriodGuardian Name: Guardian Phone #:Guardian E-mail:Advisement Teacher:Extra-curricular activities/Coach:Important Information/Medical condition:

Agenda• Introduction• Classroom Policies and

Procedures• Safety Handout• Tiger Tip Review• Code of Conduct Review• Begin Notes

State the Problem• Observations: the information gathered

using any of your senses • made throughout the scientific experiment,

not only at the beginning• lead you to ask a question or identify (state)

a problem

Gather Information• use reference materials such as:

– Encyclopedias– Dictionaries– Scientific magazines and journals– World wide web

• not all information is relevant or useful to a particular science topic

Form a Hypothesis• Hypothesis: a possible answer to the

question– can be tested by an experiment

Test the Hypothesis

• Experiment: tests the affect of one thing on another using controlled conditions

• Contain many variables• Variables: the factors that affect the

experiment

Variables– Independent variable: the variable that is being

tested and is intentionally changed or manipulated

– Dependent variable: the variable that might be affected as a result of that intentional change

– Constant: factor that does not change when other variables change; • may have numerous constants in an

experiment – Control: the standard by which the test results can be compared

How might NASA scientists set up an experiment to solve the problem of the damaged tiles that caused the Columbia space shuttle accident?

They might make tiles of many different materials and subject them all to the heat and other stresses encountered by the shuttle.

NASA experiment variables:Independent variable: the materials usedDependent variable: the amount of heat the

tile can withstand without being damagedConstants: the conditions to which the tiles

were subjectedControls: tiles from the first shuttles

Bird Feeder Experiment• My neighbor has a clear bird feeder

that 3 birds frequent each day. • I bought one clear, one red, and one

blue feeder to see if color will affect which feeder a bird chooses.

• I put the feeders in my yard, each with the same amount and type of food hanging in the same area for the same amount of time.

What are the variables?• Independent variable: the color

of the feeder• Dependent variable: which bird

feeder is frequented the most or that all are equally chosen, whichever result is true

• Constant: amount and type of food, amount of time

• Control: the clear feeder

Collect Data• Gather and record the data in a lab report

or chart during the experiment.–Quantitative: involve measurements or

numbers–Qualitative: does not involve numbers or

measurements

Analyze the Data• Graph: an effective method of organization

which helps to understand and communicate data

• Bar Graph: measures things that are counted

• Line Graph: compares the independent and dependent variables

• Circle Graph: measures parts of a whole or percentages

Graph Reading Tips• Carefully read the title and the label on each axis. • Check for any other information that might be

included on the graph. • When you think you have the answer, double

check the information given in the graph. • Remember:

independent variable = on the x-axisdependent variable = on the y-axis

Bar Graph

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2020.5

2121.5

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2424.5

24 Students23 Students22 Students21 Students

Line Graph

0 5 10 15 20 2515

17

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Classroom Temperature

ABC

Time (min)

T

empe

ratu

re (

C)

Circle Graph

Gas 50%

Steam 25%

Electric 10%

Coal 10% Other 5%

Gas Steam Electric Coal Other

• Model: a representation of an actual object or idea that explains the results or how something works or looks

• Technology: the application of science to help people – It aids scientists in developing

theories and laws.

Draw Conclusions• Conclusions: explanations based on

scientific data and observations.– answer the question as to whether or not the

data and observations support the hypothesis – may indicate that more information is needed

which creates more questions to investigate

• Inference: an explanation of the data based on facts but not on direct observation. An inference is like an assumption.– Ex. Your friend has a busted lip, so you infer

(assume) that he must have been in a fight. – An observation would be if you actually saw

the fight.

Why are results that do not support the hypothesis important?

• help scientists adjust and restate hypotheses

• help you to understand the world• sometimes explanations must be

modified as new information is learned– Ex. People used to think the world

was flat.

• Peer review: when scientists share their findings with others through publication or presentation– used to help others gain knowledge– Used to see if any errors were made in the

calculations, design, or interpretation of the data

– Prevents bias• Bias: occurs when what the scientist expects changes how the results are viewed

• Scientific theory: explanation of things or events based on knowledge gained from many observations and investigations

(an attempt to explain why the thing/event happens)• Scientific law: statement about what

happens in nature and that seems to be true all the time

(summarizes what happens)

Review of scientific processesState the problem

Test the hypothesis

Hypothesis not supported Hypothesis supported

Form a hypothesis

Gather information

Analyze data

Draw conclusions