Scientific ProcessesHow we know what we know!

Observations

• Use senses and tools to study life

• Descriptions: i.e. behaviors, movements, measurements, colors….

• Lead to questions

Data• Qualitative = descriptions i.e. - uses

senses, visual, touch, smells– Color, shape, relative size, scents, texture,

behaviors

• Quantitative = measurements/numbers i.e. - temperature, height, populations, mass, volume– 100 people, 25 degrees C, 35.3 meters

Use the picture to the right to…

• Make 3 Quantitative observations

• Make 4 Qualitative observations

Elephant Poem

Elephant Poem• It was six men of Indostan

To learning much inclinedWho went to see the Elephant(Though all of them were blind),That each by observationMight satisfy his mindThe First approached the Elephant,And happening to fallAgainst his broad and sturdy side,At once began to bawl:"God bless me! but the ElephantIs very like a wall!"The Second, feeling of the tusk,Cried, "Ho! what have we hereSo very round and smooth and sharp?To me 'tis mighty clearThis wonder of an ElephantIs very like a spear!"The Third apprached the animal,And happening to takeThe squirming trunk within his hands,Thus boldly up and spake:"I see," quoth he, "the ElephantIs very like a snake."

• The Fourth reached out an eager hand,And felt about the knee."What most this wondrous beast is likeIs mighty plain," quoth he;"Tis Clear enough the ElephantIs very like a tree."The Fifth, who chanced to touch the ear,Said: "E'en the blindest manCan tell what this resembles most;Deny the fact who can,This marvel of an ElephantIs very like a fan!"The Sixth no sooner had begun About the beast to grope,Then seizing on the swinging tailThat fell within his scope,"I see," quoth he, "the ElephantIs very like a rope."And so these men of IndostanDisputed loud and long.Each in his own opinionExceeding stiff and strong,Though each was partly in the right,And all were in the wrong.

Hypothesis vs. Theory• Hypothesis – possible explanation of an

phenomena (not a guess!), based on questions from observations

• If… then… format

• Example: If photosynthesis is related to light, then the shaded portion of a leaf won’t produce sugars

Hypothesis vs. Theory• Theory – accepted explanation of

observation based on wide range and large amount of evidence and repeated tests/data. Not easily accepted and requires well substantiated evidence.

• Examples: – Cell theory– Theory of natural selection– Theory of plate tectonics

Scientific process• Variables – factors in an experiment

– Constants: factors that stay the same• Independent variable – condition that is

changed by investigator (manipulated)• Dependant variable – factor that responds

to change (responding)

Independent (light)

Dependent (plant growth)

AFFECTS

Scientific Method

Scientific MethodObservation of

phenomenaQuestion and background

research

Formulate Hypothesis

Data rejects hypothesis

Design Experiment

Analysis of data

Drawing conclusions

Data supports

hypothesis

Report Results

• And now for something completely different…..