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SCIENCE

The Art of Experimentation

Science: What is a Hypothesis

"There are two possible outcomes: if the result confirms the hypothesis, then you've made a measurement. If the result is contrary to the hypothesis, then you've made a discovery." - Enrico Fermi, American Physicist

A Hypothesis can be supported or not supported based on the information gathered in the data.

LAB EXPERIMENTS

Every experiment will share certain characteristics. Steps of the Scientific Method.

They all must have: Problem or question -usually stated as

a hypothesis Variables - factors that will influence

the outcome of the experiment

LAB VARIABLES

Independent variable (IV) – this is the factor that you are testing

Dependent Variable (DV)– this is the factor that you will be measuring (it will change in response to the IV)

Constants– those variables that must not change in the experiment. Must be given to both groups to maintain health of organisms.

Parts of a Controlled Experiment

Experimental Group – receives the IVEx. Tomato plants that get the fertilizer

Control Group – does not get the IVEx. Tomato plants that do not get fertilizer

HOW TO BEGIN

Questions to ask when beginning an experiment:

What are we trying to answer? What is the factor that we are

testing? How will we know if that factor

influenced the experiment? What other factors could possibly

influence the outcome of the experiment?

TESTING LIVING THINGS

Living things (organisms) change over time. They grow, mature and become exposed to disease and carry the genetic material that makes all things unique in the world

We attempt to control each variable that could influence the life of that organism except the one we want to test (constants)

This is a controlled experiment

Steps of an Experiment (order Sensitive)

1. Identify a problem2. Background Research (has anyone else

had the problem)3. Develop a hypothesis: an educated guess4. List Materials5. Describe precisely your procedures: Great

scientist should be so thorough so that the experiment could be redone with the exact same results.

6. Gather DATA7. Present DATA in results section8. Explain Results in a Conclusion

SUNFLOWER LAB

ASSIGNMENT: Using Scientific Method, design a controlled experiment to determine if sunlight is necessary for the growth of sunflowers.

Work in groups of 4 and create:1) Hypothesis2) List of Materials

3) Procedures (detailed steps) 4) Data tables, charts, graphs (leave them

blank) 5) Analysis/Conclusion Questions

DESIGNING THE EXPERIMENT The Hypothesis

Does your hypothesis relate to the question or problem?

Is this a testable hypothesis? From your hypothesis, can you

determine the IV and DV? Have you determined all the

variables that should be constants (same for both groups)?

DESIGNING THE EXPERIMENT

Have you clearly indicated the control group and the experimental group?

Have you designed an effective way to record your data?

SCIENTIFIC METHOD

You have just used the scientific method.

1. Observe the situation 2. Ask a question 3. Turn that question into a testable

hypothesis 4. Predict the outcome of your experiment 5. Perform your experiment 6. Analyze the results 7. Evaluate your hypothesis

Cookbook Labs vs. Inquiry Labs

Cookbook labs – experiment already designed for you

Your task is to simply:1. Follow procedures (directions)2. Record your results in the

tables,charts and graphs provided3. Then draw your conclusions,usually

by answering questions.

INQUIRY LABS

Inquiry labs - you are asked to become the scientist, designing an experiment or set of experiments to resolve a problem.

As the age old saying goes, you can’t solve the problem until you know what the problem is.

Inquiry labs require you to use the scientific method.

Create a Title: Should be unique to YOUR experiment (Ex. “Pumpkin Seed Lab” is not UNIQUE)

State the Question: What are you trying to find out?

Background Research: Investigate what others have already learned about your question. Gather information that will help you perform your experiment.

State Your Hypothesis: After research, you should have some prediction about what you think will happen in your experiment.

You must state your hypothesis in a way that you can measure results.

Develop a procedure for testing your hypothesis.

- Number your steps- Include measurements of all materials- Include illustrations

** Remember to control all constants**

RECORDING YOUR DATA

Two Types of Data:

Quantitative – numbers, time, temperature, length, mass

Qualitative – descriptive verbal, drawings Both types of data are important in

conducting experiments

Create a Results Paragraph: - Summarize your results/data (tell the

reader what is on the tables, drawings and graphs)

- DO NOT discuss the hypothesis or conclusion

Draw Your Conclusion: This is your opportunity to explain the meaning of your results. Did your experiment support/not support your hypothesis? Use data to support your claim. Does additional research need to be conducted?

Report Your Results and Conclusion: This is the final product you would publish if you were a research scientist. When performing an inquiry lab, you will turn in your finished lab report detailing each step of the scientific method.

Be sure you refer the rubric when writing your report.