Before we start...

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Anything in BLACK you do not need to copy

Scientific reasoning is based on the rules of logic and almost always follows the scientific method.

Terms you need to know before we begin:

Fact - something that has actual existence : a matter of objective reality

Law – an action or condition that has been observed so consistently that you expect it to always happen.

Theory – a model established from laws of nature.

Scientific Method

Scientific Method

Creating a question or hypothesis

Collecting facts

Summarizing facts as a law

Constructing a theory

Performing experiments to test theory

Modifying or reject theory

Problem – Question?

Hypothesis – A theoretical answer to the question.

Materials – The instruments and equipment required to test the hypothesis.

Scientific Method leads to Experimental Design

Procedure – Scientific steps taken to determine if the answer to the question.

Observations – The qualitative and quantitative facts/outcome to the procedure.

Discussion – Characterization of the observations, using established scientific theories to explain the experimental results. Conclusion incorporated into the discussion– What is the actual answer to the question. Was the question answered….or are there more questions?

Scientific Method leads to Experimental Design

Materials: Should always follow these rules.

1)Need to be explicit. Should be listed vertically not horizontally.

Procedure: Should always follow these rules.

1) Always a command

2) Never in the first person

3) Step by step numerically

4) Very detailed and efficient

Some Fundamental Rules

Observations: Should always follow these rules.

1) Tables should be sequentially numbered and explicitly tilted. Table number and title goes on upper left side of table.

2) All figures should be sequentially numbered and explicitly titled. Figure number and title on lower left side of table.

Some Fundamental Rules Cont’d

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Concentration of Pb (ng/L)Independent variable

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What conclusions can be drawn about the effects of lead on fish survivorship?

What if I told you the first three concentrations were performed at 24.5 °C, the fourth at 29.2 °C and the top three at 42 °C…what would your conclusion be now?

Fig 1: Effects of Lead on Fish Survivorship

•Theories are proven and or disproven by contributing our conclusions to our growing scientific body.

•This is done by submitting articles to scientific journals. The paper is reviewed by other scientists to make sure it follows the rules of the scientific method