1 WHAT IS THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD?

2 Scientific Method – Logical steps to solve a problemScientific Method – Logical steps to solve a problem. This may vary in the number of steps.

3 Solve a problem with Scientific Method and Design an experiment …You own a trucking company and have to transport a series of gasses and need to determine which gases are flammable. (Air, Helium, Hydrogen, CO2) Steps 1-3…what would they be? Step 4- Design an experiment… Step 5- What do we conclude, and how?

4 1) State the Problem A question about science is asked through observations. Ex. Why did the dinosaurs go extinct 65 million years ago?

5 2) Gather Information (research) Information about the problem is collected, usually through measurements. Ex. Measure the amount of meteorite rock in 65 million year old rock layers – (Iridium – element found in meteors)

6 3) Form a hypothesis. Ex. Gaia hypothesisGaia video

7 Ex. A giant meteorite crashed into the earth 65 million years ago

8   4) Test the Hypothesis Conduct an experiment with a control and a variableWhat is a control? What is a variable?

9 Ex. Simulate the climate 65 million years ago.

10 5) State a conclusion Determine whether or not a hypothesis is correct.Ex. There is no proof that a meteorite was responsible, however, it is possible.

11 Theory – A hypothesis or series of hypotheses that are supported by the results of experiments and observations.

12 Ex. Big Bang – Creation of the Universe

13 Scientific law – An established theory.Ex. Law of the conservation of energy