VARIABLES & SCIENTIFIC METHOD Unit 1 – Intro to Science.
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Transcript of VARIABLES & SCIENTIFIC METHOD Unit 1 – Intro to Science.
VARIABLES & SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Unit 1 – Intro to Science
Unit 1 – Intro to Science
Variables
Variables
There are 3 types of variables Independent Variable
The thing that you change Dependent Variable
The outcome, depend on the independent variable
ControlsThings you leave the same, a standard of comparison, not all experiments have controls.
Constants
Sometimes these are confused with CONTROLS.
Constants are things that remain consistent throughout the entire experiment.
Temperature, materials, location, etc…
Example 1- Independent Variable Investigating how a
weight affects the length of an elastic band.
Independent Variable
The weight applied
You decided which weights to use
Example 1- Dependent Variable Investigating how a
weight affects the length of an elastic band.
Dependent Variable Length is the
dependent variable.You measure the resulting length of the elastic band
Example 2 – Independent Variable The longer the
amount of time spent studying causes an increase in test scores
Independent Variable Time spent
studyingYou decide how long/much to study for a test.
Example 2 – Dependent Variable The longer the
amount of time spent studying causes an increase in test scores
Dependent Variable Test scores
This should change based on how long you study
Additional Examples
Question Independent Variable(What is changed -
Input)
Dependent Variable(What is observed -
Output)
How much water flows through a faucet at different openings?
Water faucet opening•closed•half open•fully open
Amount of water flowing per minute measured in mL per
minute
Does heating a cup of water allow it to absorb
more sugar?
Temperature of water measured in degrees
Celcius
Amount of sugar that dissolves completely measured in grams
Independent Variable
The independent variable is always located on the X axis of a graph.
It is usually the “X” in a table or equation.
The independent variable stands alone (not dependent on anything)
The independent variable is what happens first.
Dependent Variable
The dependent variable is always located on the Y axis of a graph.
It is usually the “Y” in a table or equation.
The dependent variable DEPENDS on theindependent variable.
The dependent variable is what happens second.
Unit 1 – Intro to Science
Scientific Method
Science
“Sci” means “to know”
We know things from facts that can be proven through data and evidence
We gather facts through the scientific method.
The Scientific Method A pattern that
scientist use to investigate or solve a specific problem.
Steps in the Scientific Method1. Identify a problem2. Research the problem3. Develop a hypothesis4. Design experiment (Independent and
Dependent)5. Test/Conduct the Experiment6. Analyze the Results7. Form Conclusions8. Repeat / Publish
Example 1
Identify a problem Noticing that
many salamanders near a pond have curved, not straight tails.
Example 1
Research the Problem Go to library
and research reputable journals.
Research using internet but only trustworthy sources.
Prior knowledge or experience
Example 1
Develop a Hypothesis A hypothesis is a
possible explanation for a set of observations or answer to scientific question, predicts an outcome
Should be written as “I think _______
because______.”
Example 1
Design an Experiment Is a test made
up of variables that can be tested or compared. There are 3 types of variables in an experiment.
Example 1
Carry out experiment
Make observations during the experiment Types of
observations Quantitative
(Quantity) Using
numbers Qualitative
(Quality) Descriptive Using your 5
senses (touch, smell, etc.
Example 1
Analyze Data Charts Graphs Tables Averages Visual Ratings
Bar Graphs, Line Graphs normally used.
Example 1
Form a conclusion We summarize
what the data (tables, charts and graphs) reveals.
Discuss any changes you may want to make in your experiment and why.