Scientific Method Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Welcome to a lesson on the scientific method.
• Goals for today's lesson:
  1. Determine scientific method.
  2. Identify steps of scientific method.
  3. Appreciate the use of scientific method in problem-solving.

Science Fact

• Earth is 4.5 billion years old.
• Age determined by studying rocks on Earth's crust, moon, and meteorites.
• Importance of taking care of Earth's resources for future generations.

Understand Scientific Questions

Questions Best Considered as Scientific

• e.g., Does the amount of salt in water affect boiling temp?

Process of Obtaining Information Using Senses

• Observation.

Series of Steps Designed to Help Solve Problems and Answer Questions

• Scientific Method.

Using Graphs in Scientific Method

• Analyzing data.

Sharing Findings with Other Scientists

• Communicating results.

Problem-Solving in Science

• Analyzing the problem and experimenting with solutions is key.

Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Make Observations
   • Use five senses: sight, smell, taste, hearing, and touch.
2. Come Up with a Question
   • Formulate a question based on observations.
3. Develop a Hypothesis
   • An educated guess; does not matter if it is right or wrong.
4. Conduct an Experiment
   • Test the hypothesis through experiments.
5. Record and Analyze Results
   • Use tables and graphs to document and analyze data.
6. Draw Conclusions
   • Summarize findings, conclude whether the hypothesis is accepted or rejected.

Applying the Scientific Method

• It is a reliable way to gather knowledge and solve problems.

Assessment: Matching Steps and Descriptions

1. Identify a problem based on observation
   • Answer: Ask a question (b).
2. Summarize results (accept/reject hypothesis)
   • Answer: Draw a conclusion (f).
3. Get information using senses
   • Answer: Make observations (a).
4. Collect and analyze data from the experiment
   • Answer: Analyze results (e).
5. Develop an educated guess
   • Answer: Make a hypothesis (c).
6. Step to test hypothesis
   • Answer: Conduct an experiment (d).

Importance of Scientific Method

• Steps ensure accuracy and reliability in scientific pursuits.
• Can be applied to everyday problem-solving and queries.

Homework/Preparation for Next Episode

• Prepare two apples, water, milk, juice, soda, and containers.

Q&A from Sci-Connected

• Question: Why does every cell in our body contain DNA?
  • Answer: Not all cells contain DNA (e.g., mature red blood cells, cornified cells). DNA is important for inheritance, coding for proteins, and genetic instructions.

Conclusion

• Recap of the importance of thinking critically and following scientific methods to solve problems and answer questions.
• Encouragement to engage and ask questions.