What is Science?Too broad? Think about the classes devoted to “science” that we study in school.

Science is defined as knowledge about or study of the natural world based on facts learned

through experiments and observation.Source: Merriam-Webster Dictionary

With your group, come up with descriptions of:– “Natural World”– “Experiments”– “Observation”

“Experiment” and “Observation”

• What are parts of an experiment?

• Where does observation fit in?

Asking a Question

• To pursue a question scientifically, the phenomenon should be well defined and testable, and elements should be measurable and controllable.

• Testable questions should lead to measurable data, be repeatable, and relevant.

• Does exercise increase heart rate?

• What is the effect of increasing temperature on the enzymatic activity of amylase?

• Does cell phone usage reduce auditory function?

• Does fruit age impact fruit fly preferences?

• Will the use of perfume increase my chances of obtaining a homecoming date?

Which of these questions can be investigated using scientific procedures?

1. Does global warming cause an increase in the frequency and intensity of forest fires?

2. Does watching television before the age of 1 decrease attention span?3. Why do raccoons drink pool water?4. Did the use of the herbal supplement ephedra cause the death of the 18-

year old soccer player?5. Do cactus spines reduce herbivory?6. Why does milk turn sour after 2 weeks?7. If I eat 10lbs. of bacon for breakfast every day for a month, will I gain

weight?8. Will an external environment of water affect the weight of a water

balloon?9. Should human embryonic stem cells be used to treat Parkinson’s Disease?

Daphnia Heart Rate (beats per minute) in Different Temperatures

Daphnia Temperature (oC)0 10 20 30

A 75 82 92 178B 71 85 96 180C 65 93 93 190D 60 128 155 260E 56 151 150 278F 54 142 168 272G 47 150 140 328H 48 - 153 308I 39 - 234 318

Formulating Hypotheses

• As questions are asked, scientists attempt to answer them by proposing possible explanations.– Example: Spines on cacti reduce herbivory.

• Hypotheses often use the form“If………… then………. Because”

• Include reasoning (the reason, the “why”)

But not always!

Which of these hypotheses can be investigated using scientific procedures?

1. The death of unborn horses on Kentucky farms is due to toxic fungi.

2. Crime rates increase during the full moon.3. Positive emotions prolong life.4. Exposure to low levels of pesticides increases

the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease.5. Modern birds are closely related to

dinosaurs.

Daphnia Heart Rate (beats per minute) in Different Temperatures

Daphnia Temperature (oC)0 10 20 30

A 75 82 92 178B 71 85 96 180C 65 93 93 190D 60 128 155 260E 56 151 150 278F 54 142 168 272G 47 150 140 328H 48 - 153 308I 39 - 234 318

Steps and Materials

• Identify steps to take to ultimately answer the investigative question

• Explains what data to collect, how to, and how often (ideally data leads to answer!)

• Logical in sequence

• Materials follow – what do you need in order to do these steps?

Daphnia Heart Rate (beats per minute) in Different Temperatures

Daphnia Temperature (oC)0 10 20 30

A 75 82 92 178B 71 85 96 180C 65 93 93 190D 60 128 155 260E 56 151 150 278F 54 142 168 272G 47 150 140 328H 48 - 153 308I 39 - 234 318

Identify Variables

• Manipulated– A factor that is changed intentionally by the

experimenter OR the factor that was changed in an experiment being studied

• Responding– The response to the manipulation or factor that

was changed• Controlled– Factors in the experiment that are unchanged to

make sure only one factor is tested

Observations and Data Collection

• Watch investigation unfold.• Record information you will need to answer

your question. Be objective!• Organize in a table.

Daphnia Heart Rate (beats per minute) in Different Temperatures

Daphnia Temperature (oC)0 10 20 30

A 75 82 92 178B 71 85 96 180C 65 93 93 190D 60 128 155 260E 56 151 150 278F 54 142 168 272G 47 150 140 328H 48 - 153 308I 39 - 234 318

Analysis of Data

• Interpret the numbers, or if not in number form, the information collected.

• Create a visual to help process the information. – What are examples of visuals that can help us see

patterns in data?• Look for and call out the patterns you see.• Think about sources of error.

Discussion using Evidence

• Was this investigation able to answer the original question? How do you know?

• Answer the question! • Use data/evidence to support your “answer”• Do data and observations support or refute your

hypothesis? Provide data in explanation.• Call out sources of error.• Discuss the relevance of your findings. – Why does this all matter? What does it mean for the

greater good?

Your Tasks

• Meet the test subject for our very first scientific investigation!

• Observations and a little bit of research…

• Next day:– Work with your group to learn about small

freshwater organisms, Daphnia. Use some background information and go through all parts of the experiment to answer a scientific question.