The Scientific MethodRefresh from last time: What is science?

Summarize: _____________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________ What are some “types” of science?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ What is biology?

_________________________________________________________How does science work? Use of the scientific method…• In reality, there isn’t a single method, but this is a general overview• Use the graphic on the back of this page to follow along

Let’s apply this to a real world problem...• Clostridium Difficile is a very uncomfortable disease that can be

_________ _________ with __________________.What is a way we can state the problem described? • Treating a Clostridium Difficile infection with antibiotics can worsen

the disease and an alternative treatment is necessary.• How can we make this statement better?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer the questions from the handout below:1. _____________________________________________________________________2. _____________________________________________________________________3. _____________________________________________________________________4. _____________________________________________________________________5. _____________________________________________________________________6. _____________________________________________________________________7. _____________________________________________________________________

Why is doing background research so important?• Notes from discussion: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

A good hypothesis is:– Simple and clear– Written as a statement, often as an “If…., then….” statement– Establishes variables– Predicts an outcome– Is testable

Hypothesis: ______ C. difficile causes symptoms when it replaces normal gut flora, ______ reintroducing healthy gut flora, through a ______ ____________, will eliminate the C. difficile infection.Test your hypothesis by designing an experiment• Describe an experiment to test this hypothesis and include the types

of materials you would use. _______________________________________________________________________

The Scientific Method______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Analyze the Data

What trend did you notice from the data? __________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________Draw Conclusions• Did the fecal matter transplants seem to work?

______________________________• Do you think a single experiment is enough?

______________________________• The importance of RETESTING

Now You Try!• What is the problem the doctor is trying to solve?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________• What is the doctor’s hypothesis?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________• What was the first experiment he did?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________• Did his first results support his hypothesis?____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________