Do Now• Copy the following two definitions:• Qualitative Data:

– Deals with descriptions.– Data can be observed but not measured.– Colors, textures, smells, tastes, appearance,

beauty, etc.• Quantitative Data:

– Deals with numbers.– Data which can be measured.– Length, height, area, volume, weight, speed,

time, temperature, humidity, sound levels, cost, members, ages, etc.

Physical Science February 3rd 2011

SWBAT identify the six steps of the Scientific Method

Qualitative VS. Quantitative

• Qualitative: Think ‘L’ for LANGUAGE

• Quantitative: Think ‘N’ for NUMBERS

The Scientific Method involves a series of steps that

are used to investigate a

natural occurrence.

We shall take a closer look at

these steps and the terminology you will need to

understand before you start a

science project.

Problem/Question

Observation/Research

Formulate a Hypothesis

Experiment

Collect and Analyze Results

Conclusion

Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Problem/QuestionProblem/Question: Develop a question or problem that can

be solved through experimentation.

Key Words/Phrases: “Wondered”, “Wanted to”,

Steps of the Scientific Method

2. Observation/ResearchObservation/Research: Make observations and research

your topic of interest.

Do you remember the Do you remember the next step?next step?

Steps of the Scientific Method

3. Formulate a HypothesisFormulate a Hypothesis: Predict a possible answer to

the problem or question.

Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will

increase.

Steps of the Scientific Method

4. ExperimentExperiment: Develop and follow a procedure.

Include a detailed materials list.

The outcome must be measurable (quantifiable).

Steps of the Scientific Method

5. Collect and Analyze ResultsCollect and Analyze Results: Modify the procedure if

needed.

Confirm the results by retesting.

Include tables, graphs, and photographs.

Steps of the Scientific Method

6. ConclusionConclusion: Include a statement that accepts or

rejects the hypothesis.Make recommendations for

further study and possible improvements to the

procedure.

Think you can name all Think you can name all six steps?six steps?

Problem/QuestionProblem/QuestionObservation/ResearchObservation/ResearchFormulate a HypothesisFormulate a HypothesisExperimentExperimentCollect and Analyze ResultsCollect and Analyze ResultsConclusionConclusion

Work on Part I of the Scientific Method Worksheet

• Try to determine for each of the 12 situations what part of the Scientific Method is being described. – A. Recognizing the Problem– B. Forming the Hypothesis– C. Testing the Hypothesis– Drawing Conclusions

Spend 10 minutes attempting this section of the worksheet!

Lamar predicted that seeds would start to grow faster if an electric current traveled through

the soil in which they were planted.

• B. form a hypothesis

Susan said, “If I fertilize my geranium plants, they will

blossom.”

• B. form a hypothesis

Jonathan’s data showed that ants moved away from

cucumber slices.

• D. draw conclusions

Rene grew bacteria from the mouth on special plates in the

laboratory. She placed drops of different mouthwash on bacteria

on each plate.• C. test the hypothesis (experiment)

Kathy used a survey to determine how many of her

classmates were left-handed and how many

were right-handed.• C. test the hypothesis (experiment)

Dana wanted to know how synthetic fibers were different

from natural fibers.

• A. recognize a problem

Edward saw bats catching insects after dark. He asked,

“How do bats find the insects after

dark?”• A. recognize a problem

Justin wondered if dyes could be taken out of plants leaves,

flowers, and stems.• A. recognize a problem

Davon noticed that his cactus plant wilted the day after he

watered it. • A. recognize a problem

James discovered that when he gave his fish two different types

of food they fought with each other less

• D. draw conclusions

Chelsea was curious about how light effects plant growth, she put one plant in the closet and

another near the window. • C. test the hypothesis (experiment)

Sherrell told her friends that she believed if she gave herself an extra hour of sleep each night then she would be less tired in

school. • B. form a hypothesis

For the remainder of class• Complete Scientific Method Worksheet• Go through textbook and copy ALL highlighted definitions

from Section 2 in textbook AND summary (Pages 12 19)• Begin homework

– Section Review on Page 11• Copy the Summary • Complete ALL questions in notebook

• If you finished HW yesterday, you could work on Monday’s assignment– Section Review on Page 19

• Complete questions 1 7