background preloader

Steps of the Scientific Method

Steps of the Scientific Method
Please ensure you have JavaScript enabled in your browser. If you leave JavaScript disabled, you will only access a portion of the content we are providing. <a href="/science-fair-projects/javascript_help.php">Here's how.</a> What is the Scientific Method? The scientific method is a process for experimentation that is used to explore observations and answer questions. Even though we show the scientific method as a series of steps, keep in mind that new information or thinking might cause a scientist to back up and repeat steps at any point during the process. Whether you are doing a science fair project, a classroom science activity, independent research, or any other hands-on science inquiry understanding the steps of the scientific method will help you focus your scientific question and work through your observations and data to answer the question as well as possible. Educator Tools for Teaching the Scientific Method

Introduction to the Scientific Method Introduction to the Scientific Method The scientific method is the process by which scientists, collectively and over time, endeavor to construct an accurate (that is, reliable, consistent and non-arbitrary) representation of the world. Recognizing that personal and cultural beliefs influence both our perceptions and our interpretations of natural phenomena, we aim through the use of standard procedures and criteria to minimize those influences when developing a theory. As a famous scientist once said, "Smart people (like smart lawyers) can come up with very good explanations for mistaken points of view." I. 1. 2. 3. 4. If the experiments bear out the hypothesis it may come to be regarded as a theory or law of nature (more on the concepts of hypothesis, model, theory and law below). II. As just stated, experimental tests may lead either to the confirmation of the hypothesis, or to the ruling out of the hypothesis. Error in experiments have several sources. III. IV. V. VI. VII. 1. 2. 3.

Science » Explore the 5 E’s of Science Engage These lessons mentally engage the students with an event or question. Engagement activities help students to make connections with what they know and can do. What the Teacher Does Creates interestGenerates curiosityRaises questionsElicits responses that uncover what the students know or think about the concept/topic What the Student Does Asks questions, such as Why did this happen? Explore Students work with one another to explore ideas through hands-on activities. Encourages the students to work together without direct instruction from the teacherObserves and listens to the students as they interactAsks probing questions to redirect the students’ investigation when necessaryProvides time for students to puzzle through problemsActs as a consultant for students Thinks freely, but within the limits of the activityTests predictions and hypothesisForms new predictions and hypothesesTries alternatives and discusses them with othersRecords observations and ideasSuspends judgment Explain

Interactive Practice on Physical vs. Chemical Properties Review of Chemical vs. Physical Properties and Changes Chemical vs. Chemical properties are properties of an element or compound in chemical reactions. Physical properties are properties of an element or compound that can be observed without a chemical reaction of the substance. Chemical vs. In a physical change , the substances are not altered chemically, but merely changed to another phase (i.e. gas, liquid, solid) or separated or combined. In a chemical change , the substances are altered chemically and display different physical and chemical properties after the change. Practice on Identifying Chemical and Physical Properties Water boils at 100 degrees Celcius. Diamonds are capable of cutting glass. Practice on Identifying Chemical and Physical Changes Dry ice, solid carbon dioxide, is sublimed at room temperature. Salt is dissolved in water. Identifying Different types of Matter.

History of science "New science" redirects here. For the treatise about history, see The New Science. The history of science is the study of the development of science and scientific knowledge, including both the natural sciences and social sciences. (The history of the arts and humanities is termed as the history of scholarship.) Science is a body of empirical, theoretical, and practical knowledge about the natural world, produced by scientists who emphasize the observation, explanation, and prediction of real world phenomena. Historiography of science, in contrast, often draws on the historical methods of both intellectual history and social history. Early cultures[edit] In prehistoric times, advice and knowledge was passed from generation to generation in an oral tradition. The development of writing enabled knowledge to be stored and communicated across generations with much greater fidelity. Ancient Near East[edit] Greco-Roman world[edit] and again: India[edit] China[edit] Lui Hui's Survey of sea island

Chemical & Physical Changes Chemical and physical changes are related to chemical and physical properties. Chemical Changes Chemical changes take place on the molecular level. A chemical change produces a new substance. Examples of chemical changes include combustion (burning), cooking an egg, rusting of an iron pan, and mixing hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide to make salt and water. Physical Changes Physical changes are concerned with energy and states of matter. How to Tell Chemical & Physical Changes Apart A chemical change makes a substance that wasn't there before. More Examples of Chemical and Physical ChangesPhysical and Chemical Changes QuizList of 10 Physical ChangesList of 10 Chemical Changes Stay up to date on the latest chemistry news, learn chemistry, and get instructions for chemistry projects.

The evolution of scientific knowledge | NOT SO REVIEWS By Bradly Kneisel The Scientific Method We take for granted the information printed in textbooks. 1: Ask a good question 2: Synthesise current scientific opinion surrounding your question 3: Form a hypothesis 4: Predict the logical consequences of the hypothesis 5: Design and perform an experiment to test the hypothesis by collecting data 6: Analyse the data 7: Interpret the data and draw conclusions about them 8: Replicate the experiment 9: Publish results 10: Reproduction and external review Each of these is extremely difficult. On the one hand, the scientific method is useful for research because its application ensures only conclusions that are both empirically evident and logically sound become part of the scientific record. Scientific journals are periodicals of reports of data and results of research experiments, collections of articles that describe application of the scientific method. Journals are structured so as to follow the above sequence of processes. The life of a journal article

Related: