Aim: How do scientists solve problems?

Topic: Scientific Method Aim: How do scientists solve problems? Do Now: Why do you think it’s important for scientists to use a formal and organized method to conduct an experiment?

The Scientific Method Model, guide, or technique used to solve problems and to get information

6 STEPS Always in the form of a question What you want to solve 1. State a Problem

Problem Does Light Affect the Rate of Plant Growth?

2. Form a Hypothesis EDUCATED GUESS Suggested answer to the problem Based on prior knowledge

Hypothesis Different Color Light will Increase/Decrease the rate of Plant Growth.

3. Perform an Experiment TEST IF HYPOTHESIS IS RIGHT OR WRONG Gather materials Design procedures

Experiment Grow the plants for 5 weeks. 10 plants are placed under each color light. 10 are grown under just the sun. They will get the same amount of light, & will be watered every 2 days. Their height will be measured (in centimeters) once a week.

4. Record your RESULTS Writing down all data/observations that are made during the experiment You can make a Data Table or keep a log or journal of observations.

Data Table Construction: Easiest and most Accurate way is to label the Columns with your Independent and Dependent Variables. Include Units of Measurement!

5.State a Conclusion Answers the question stated in the problem States if the hypothesis is right or wrong? Explains data A conclusion is a multi-sentence statement that:

Conclusion My hypothesis was wrong. Plants grow best under blue light, not green light. The plant under blue light grew 11cm while the plant under green light grew only 2 cm.

Repeat the experiment The entire experiment must be done again to be valid. Valid – proven to be logically true; to be proven legitimate To find any errors

Problem Hypothesis Experiment Results Conclusion Repeat Purple Hippos Eat Really Cold Raviolis PHERCR

Topic: Lab Skills Aim: How do scientistis create experiments? Do Now: Make a list of possible solutions for the following problem: Possible solutions to getting the ping pong ball out of the hole are: 1._________________ 2._________________ 3._________________ A ping pong ball falls in a hole beyond your reach, how do you get it out?

2 types of variables: 1. Independent Variable The factor that is purposely altered by the researcher, that may or may not lead to change in the dependent variable. Generally it is the factor that you are testing.

2. Dependent Variable The factor that is being measured to see if the independent variable caused a change.

A Controlled Experiment contains two groups: 1. Experimental group All experiments are designed to be controlled • Is the group of subjects that are being tested on. • This group does receive the factor being tested called the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

Is the group of subjects that is used to compare to • Does not contain the INDEPENDENT VARIABLE 2.Control group

What is the Independent variable is this experiment? The color of the light

Everything between the 2 groups must be exactly the same except for the Independent variable!!!

“SMARTtastic” A new company called Smartkids has created a new product called SMARTastic. The company claims that the product will increase your grades by ten points in one month. What is the variable?

Experimental Group Control group • 100 students • 7th graders • 85 average • Take SMARTastic • 100 students • 7th graders • 85 average • DO NOT take SMARTastic

Independent variable = ? SUNLIGHT

Dependent Variable? Growth of plant

What must be done to make results of an experiment more reliable or valid? Repeat experiment Use a larger sample size Use only one variable

Aim: How do scientists solve problems?