The Scientific Method

GAC013 UNIT 2
Learning Objectives

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

 Conduct a basic scientific activity
 Demonstrate knowledge and application of the scientific method
 Design and carry out a simple scientific investigation
The Scientific Method
Natural Philosophy

 Aristotle
 Didn’t test his ideas
 Experiments = accuracy
 Good science:
 Deductive reasoning
1. Use existing evidence to develop ideas
2. Test those ideas for validity
 “Oh yeah! Prove it!”
Steps of the Scientific Method

 Ask a question
 Gather background information
 Form a hypothesis (guess the answer)
 Develop a test and do it:
 repeat as needed
 Record your results
 Discussion: What does it mean?
 Conclusion: Where do we go from here?
 Peer Review: publish your results
 Look at page 21…
Science Skills

 Make observations!
 See and describe what is actually there
 Don’t judge
 Don’t leap to conclusions
 Develop a hypothesis
 Gather background information
 Perform a SIMPLE experiment to test it
 Remember, it’s ok if your hypothesis is not right the first time!
Science Skills pt II

 Perform the test

 Control vs. Variable (Experiment)
 Test factors
 Control
 Variable
 Organize and Analyze Data
 Tables, charts, graphs
 Excel is your friend!
 Draw good conclusions
 Remember, science can only disprove things