What Is Science?

Think Like a Scientist

Scientists use many different skills to learn more about the world.

Observing Inferring Predicting ClassifyingMaking models

Using your senses.

Qualitative

(describe)

Quantitative

(numbers)

Based on reasoning.

NOT GUESSING

Forecasts Grouping together

Represen-

tation

What Is Science?

Process Skills

What Is Science?

Process Skills

What Is Science? Scientific Inquiry

What Is Science?

Designing, Conducting, and Reporting an Experiment

Identify a Problem / Pose a Question

Research

Develop a Hypothesis/Prediction

Identify Variables to test hypothesis

Write a Procedure

Experiment to Collect Data

Analyze Data

Make Conclusion

Put it to the test

Scientific Inquiry

What Is Science? Scientific Inquiry

Questions: Must be answered by making observations and gathering evidence.

“Which freezes faster – freshwater or salt water?”Make a Prediction:Decide in a general way what you will do. (If, Then statements)

“If I add salt to fresh water, then the water will take longer to freeze.”

Hypothesis:Explanation for a set of results.

“The addition of the salt to the water will affect the temperature at which water freezes.”

What Is Science? Scientific Inquiry

Identify Variables:•Experimental group •Control group•Variables – Any factor that can change (independent and dependent•Constants – all variables that that are kept the same in both groupsDesigning an Experiment•Start each step with a verb, or action word•Controlled Experiment – Only 1 Variable is Manipulated•Controlling Variables (Responding & manipulated variables, Control group)Experiment and Collect Data (data tables/graphs)Forming Operational Definitions – Define a specific word or measurement

What Is Science? Scientific Inquiry 1-2

Control Group?

Independent (manipulated) Variable?

Responding (Dependant) Variable?

Constants?

Experimental Group?

What Is Science?

Collecting DataCreate a data tableCollect and record your data

Qualitative – measurementsQuantitative - observations

Analyze Data / Interpret DataGraph dataExplain patterns or trends

Drawing ConclusionsWrite your resultsCompare results with your hypothesisDecide whether the data you collected support your hypothesis or not.Describe what you learned.

Scientific Inquiry