Five minute thinkers

Sometimes at the beginning of class, there will be a question or statement for each of you to think about…no need to write it down, but be ready to answer if called upon!

• Define the word “science” in your own words.

• On the strip of construction paper, write a word or short phrase that reminds you of something scientific. Place a hashtag (#) before it.• EXAMPLE: #Molecule

• Turn in your signed syllabus in the homework tray

1.2 Doing ScienceMr. Perez

Vocabulary (pp. 6-23)

1. Science2. Scientific method3. Hypothesis4. Experiment5. Variable6. Dependent (outcome)

variable7. Independent (test) variable8. Constant9. Control

What is science?• A systematic process that helps people inquire (or ask

questions) about the world around them• A way of learning about the natural world through

observations and logical reasoning; leads to a body of knowledge.

Scientific method• Ways, or steps to follow, to solve problems• Read p. 13

Scientific Method Steps

1. State the question/problem2. Collect information3. Form a hypothesis4. Test the hypothesis &

observe5. Record and analyze data6. Draw conclusions

State the Question/Problem• Why is it important to state the question or problem?

Collect Information• What do you know about the problem?• What do you want to know?• Research!

Form a hypothesis• A hypothesis is an educated guess; a tentative explanation for

an observation or phenomenon that can be tested scientifically

Test hypothesis and observe• Experiments are sets of controlled steps carried out to

discover, test, or demonstrate something• Variables are factors that can change in an experiment• Independent (test)- factor that the experimenter changes on

purpose• Dependent (outcome)- factor that may change as a result of

changes made by the experimenter• Constant- variable that stays the same

Good Experiments• Are replicable by other scientists• Use a control group to compare results• Only involve one variable• Have multiple trials

Record and analyze data• Look over results and arrange data in an organized fashion• Charts• Graphs• Data tables

Draw Conclusions• Look over your data and summarize it• Does it answer your hypothesis?• Does it go against your hypothesis?

If results go against your hypothesis…

• Make a new hypothesis and…• START ALL OVER

Validity• Experiments are more reliable and valid the more times they

are run…• For example, an experiment that has multiple trials and the

same results is more important/valid than an experiment that has only one trial and one result.

Closing Questions

Answer these on a separate sheet of paper:1. What is your next step in the scientific method if results do not support your hypothesis?2. How are dependent, independent and constants different?3. Why must an experiment be replicable in order to be a good experiment?

Online Resources• http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/scie

ntific-inquiry/scientific-methods.htm

• Supplemental reading on Pearson eText pp. 6-21

References• Florida Science Grade 7, Glencoe Science & McGraw Hill

Publishing• Pearson Interactive Science Course 2, Pearson Education Inc.• Google Images