Lecture Notes: Unit One - The Scientific Process and Thinking

GLI Objectives: 31, 32, and 25

Key Learning Targets:

• List and describe each step of the scientific method in order.

Overview of the Scientific Method

• Science is a way of thinking and problem-solving.
• Sometimes referred to as organized common sense.
  • Example: Historical beliefs about the Earth’s shape.
• Science is more of organized curiosity.

The Scientific Method

• Purpose: A plan for organizing investigations, used to solve problems and study natural phenomena.
• General Steps:
  1. Identify a problem or question.
  2. Gather and use background information.
  3. Formulate a hypothesis.
  4. Perform an experiment.
  5. Collect and analyze data.
  6. Draw valid conclusions.

Detailed Steps of the Scientific Method

1. Identify a Problem or Question

   • Develop a testable question or problem.
   • Ensure it can be solved through experimentation.

2. Gather and Use Background Information

   • Important for saving time and resources.
   • Prevents repetition of unsuccessful experiments.
   • Example: Medical research, such as cancer treatments.

3. Formulate a Hypothesis

   • Make a prediction as a possible answer to the problem or question.
   • Should be based on research from step 2.
   • Example hypothesis: "If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase."

4. Perform an Experiment

   • Develop and follow a procedure with detailed materials list.
   • Outcome must be measurable to ensure repeatability by others.

5. Collect and Analyze Data

   • Occurs concurrently with performing the experiment.
   • Modify procedure if needed.
   • Example: Adjust soil temperatures to optimize plant growth results.
   • Confirm results by retesting; use tables, graphs, and photographs.

6. Draw Valid Conclusions

   • Include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis.
   • Link conclusions back to the hypothesis.
   • More detail on writing conclusions will be discussed in class.

Summary of Scientific Method Steps

1. Identify a problem or question.
2. Gather background information.
3. Formulate a hypothesis.
4. Perform an experiment.
5. Collect and analyze data.
6. Draw valid conclusions.