Unit 1: Basics // Metrics & MatterAim: How can we apply the Scientific Method?

Do Now: Solve the farmer’s dilemma. (5 minutes)

Monday, September 8, 2014

The Farmer’s Dilemma

•A farmer is standing on one bank of a river, with a fox, a chicken, and a bag of grain. He needs to get to the other side of the river, taking the fox, the chicken, and the grain with him.

The Farmer’s Dilemma

•However, the boat used to cross the river is only large enough to carry the farmer and one of the things he needs to take with him, so he will need to make several trips in order to get everything across.

The Farmer’s Dilemma

•In addition, he cannot leave the fox unattended with the chicken, or else the fox will eat the chicken; and he cannot leave the chicken unattended with the grain, or else the chicken will eat the grain.

•How can he get everything across the river without anything being eaten?

What is the Scientific Method?

•It is a process that is used to find answers to questions about the world around us.

Is there only one “Scientific Method”?

•No, there are several versions of the scientific method. Some versions have more steps, while others may have only a few.

•However, they all begin with the identification of a problem or a question to be answered based on observations of the world around us and provide an organized method for conducting and analyzing an experiment.

What is a hypothesis?

•It is an educated guess based on observations and your knowledge of the topic.

What is data?

•It is information gathered during an experiment.

Steps of the Scientific Method

•Put these steps in order!1. Analyze the Data2. Identify the Problem3. Perform an Experiment4. Communicate the Results5. Create an Experiment6. Form a Hypothesis7. Modify the Experiment

Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Identify the Problem2. Form a Hypothesis3. Create an Experiment4. Perform an Experiment5. Analyze the Data6. Modify the Experiment7. Communicate the Results

1. Identify the Problem

•The Farmer’s Dilemma:▫How can he get everything across the river

without anything being eaten?

2. Form a Hypothesis

•The Farmer’s Dilemma▫If the farmer __________, then __________

because ____________.

3. Create an Experiment

•The Farmer’s Dilemma:▫Create a procedure (specific steps) on how

the farmer can safely cross the river.

4. Perform an Experiment

•The Farmer’s Dilemma:▫Follow your steps from the previous step.

Be mindful that you adhere to all of the stipulations.

5. Analyze the Data

•The Farmer’s Dilemma:▫Did you keep in mind all of the stipulations?

6. Modify the Experiment

•The Farmer’s Dilemma:▫Revise your procedure.

7. Communicate the Results

•The Farmer’s Dilemma:▫In conclusion, the farmer must first take

the chicken across the river. Then, go back and bring the grain across the river. He should then go back with the chicken and bring the fox across the river. Lastly, he should go back and get the chicken. All three items were safely transported across the river.

Video

•Please enjoy this short 6 minute video.