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
Hypothesis vs. Theory

 A hypothesis is a tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test

its logical or empirical consequences
 An educated guess based on background information, used to design a test.
 A theory is a plausible or scientifically acceptable general principle or
body of principles offered to explain phenomena
 A hypothesis that has been repeatedly demonstrated to be correct.
 Remember that theories and hypotheses must be falsifiable!
Oral Quiz Part 1

 Read the situation on page 28…

 Answer the questions:
 What was the hypothesis being tested?
 List the controlled factors in the experiment?
 What is the variable factor?
 What did she observe?
 Did the experiment support the hypothesis?
 What conclusion can you draw?
Oral Quiz Part 2

 Read the situation on page 29…

 Answer the questions:
 List the controlled factors in the experiment?
 What is the variable factor?
 What hypothesis can this experiment test? (Predict a possible result)
 If the data supports the hypothesis, what conclusion can you draw?
 If it does not support the hypothesis, what conclusion can you draw?
Work time!

 Get in your lab groups.

 What data have you gathered?
 What hypothesis does this support?
 Develop a test.
 What is the variable factor?
 How will you carry it out?
 What data will you collect?
 How will you analyze the data?
 Pick a time to do the test.
 Rough Draft Due Date: 12/28 (Sorry!)