warm-up scientific methods

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Warm-Up Scientific Methods

WK2

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:

• Describe how scientists perform experiments and gather data.

• Explain the importance of controlled tests in scientific investigations.

• Show how scientists communicate, share information, and support the importance of peer review.

• Describe the function of models in science, and recognize the

usefulness and limitations of models as representations.

Words to Know

Fill in this table as you work through the lesson. You may also use the glossary to help you.

conclusion the overall summary of the results of an investigation

and their meaning

control samplethe sample in a controlled experiment whose variables

do not change

controlled experiment an experiment in which only one variable is changed

data the information that results from a scientific

investigation

dependent variable a variable that is changed by another variable


Warm-Up Scientific Methods

WK2 Words to Know

experimental sample

the sample in a controlled experiment in which one

variable changes

independent variable a variable that causes a change to another variable

model a representation of a result or idea

observationthe act of using your senses to recognize something;

a piece of information gathered using the senses or tools

peer review

evaluation done by scientists on the work and conclusions

of another scientist

qualitativea word describing subjective observations or data that

are not based on numbers or precise measurements

quantitative

a word describing objective observations or data that are

based on numbers or precise measurements

results the outcome of a scientific investigation

scientific inquiry

the process of using observations, investigations, and

experiments to learn about natural phenomena


Scientific MethodsInstruction

Scientific Inquiry

Scientific inquiry is the process of using observations and experiments

to learn about natural events.

Summarize

Observe

HypothesizeExperiment

Question

Making Observations

Observation is the act of using your senses to gather information. An observation can also be a piece of information gathered using the senses or tools.

Qualitative : subjective, not

based on numbers

Temperature (°C) Pressure (psi)

10 42

20 44

30 46

40 48

Quantitative : objective, based on

numbers and measurements

Lesson Question What methods do scientists use to gather new knowledge?

2

1Slide



4Slide

Asking a Question and Developing a Hypothesis

Remember that an investigative question can be structured like this:

What is the effect of X on Y?

And the hypothesis is often structured like this:

If . . . then . . . , because . . . .

Setting Up and Performing Experiments

Research and design experiment

Gather supplies Perform experiment

Record data

Data are pieces of information obtained and recorded during

an experiment.

7



7Slide

Summarizing and Displaying Data

The results of an experiment are the outcomes of a scientific

investigation.

Mass of Salt Added (g)

Boiling Temperature (°C)

0 100.0

25 100.4

50 100.9

75 101.2

100 101.8

125 102.2

98.599.099.5

100.0100.5101.0101.5102.0102.5

0 25 50 75 100 125Boi

ling

Tem

pera

ture

(°C

)Mass of Salt Added (g)

Boiling Temperature of Water

Drawing Conclusions and Communicating Results

The conclusion of an investigation is a general summary of the results and what they mean.

Communicate results.

Sample conclusion: The data support the hypothesis. As more salt was added

to the water, the boiling temperature of the water increased . Therefore,

we can conclude that dissolving salt in water increases the boiling temperature of the water.

Draw a conclusion.



10Slide

Controlled Experiments

Controlled experiment – an experiment in which one variable is changed

Control sample – a sample in a controlled experiment with variables that do not change

Experimental sample – a sample in a controlled experiment in which one

variable changes

Types of Variables

The independent variable causes a change to another variable.

The dependent variable is changed by another variable.

98.599.099.5

100.0100.5101.0101.5102.0102.5

0 25 50 75 100 125Boi

ling

Tem

pera

ture

(°C

)

Mass of Salt Added (g)

Boiling Temperature of Water

What is the effect of X (independent) on Y (dependent)?

12



16Slide

Analyzing Experimental Data

Temperature (°C)

Pressure (psi)

10 30.4

20 31.9

30 33.5

40 35.0

50 36.6

In this example, we have temperature on our x-axis and pressure on our y-axis.

25

30

35

40

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

Pres

sure

(psi

)

Temperature (°C)

Representing Results with Models

A model can be a:

• sample .

• idea.

• picture.

• equation.

• method.

• diagram.

Models help scientists present experimental results.



20Slide

Writing Lab Reports

A lab report includes:

• a question .

• a hypothesis.

• the materials needed for the experiment.

• the experimental procedure.

• an analysis of the results.

• a conclusion .

Peer Review

A peer review is an evaluation done by scientists on the work and

conclusions of another scientist .

Presentation of Data

Scientists may communicate results by presenting data to other individuals and/or scientists.

• Large setting

• Conference

• Small setting

• Poster session


Summary

?

Scientific Methods

Lesson Question

?

Answer

(Sample answer) Experiments are performed by scientists to gather new knowledge. These experiments are based on hypotheses. The results that are obtained from the experiment are then concluded in the form of tables or graphs. These results are communicated through lab reports.

Performing Controlled Experiments

Controlled experiments are the experiments in which only one variable is changed.

Controlled experiments contain:

• an experimental sample .

• a control sample.

The variables in a controlled experiment may be:

• independent (cause another variable to change).

• dependent (changed by another variable).

Lesson Question What methods do scientists use to gather new knowledge?

2Slide


Summary Scientific Methods

Summarizing and Communicating Experimental Results

Tables Graphs

Journal articles

PresentationsSummarize

andcommunicate

Models

reportsLab

Use this space to write any questions or thoughts about this lesson.

2Slide

warm-up scientific methods

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