These are the contents for this semester we will be

developing this ppt and activities throughout the weeks.

Feel free to add anythig
Contents:
.

Scientific Method and Basic Skills

General theory on scientific method (how to perform experiments)
Skills:
Meassuring and units (different activities: Philip will come out with that ex:
mass, time, volume)
Data organisation: charts
Hypothesis and predictions
Variable identification: dependant, independant and controled (limited to
easy experiments)
Results organisation: Graphing: line and bar only
Analysis and conclusin of results

The Scientific Method

7th bsico 2016

Science is
Limited to the natural world
Observable
all science is based on observation
Testable
If not disproved, hypothesis is strengthened
Measurable
Repeatable
Modifiable
Open to change when new information is presented
Verifiable
Research reports must be detailed and quantitative

The
Scientific
Method

Cell phone:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMGRe824kak
Brain pop
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QJrunuIve0
The Big Bang Theory
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7sSuhQ1_24

Science is a Tool
Scientific method is also a tool and
a method for solving problems...
So it consists of several steps which
main objective is to solve a
problem that begins with an
observation.

EVERYTHING STARTS WITH OBSERVATION !

Observe around you and

think of something that
you would like to know,
solve or simply
understand...

model
test

1. Observe an event
2. Develop a hypothesis which includes a prediction and a model
3. Test the prediction
4. Observe and analyze the result
5. Revise the hypothesis (conclusion)
6. Repeat as needed (evaluation)
7. A successful hypothesis becomes a Scientific Theory

Idealized
version of
the
scientific
method

Non-scientific Hypothesis
Car wont work?
Aliens drained the battery
Spaghetti is bland?
You were meant to eat bland food
Stuck in traffic jam - late for work?
Gods must be angry
Pepsi is flat?
At the instant of tasting, tongue is transported to alternate
dimension where all flavors are rendered nullified
Happens instantaneously

Non-scientific Hypothesis
Make no predictions
Un-testable
Cant be falsified

Activity:

Scientific Method
Observation
Hypothesis (prediction)
use ifthen format
Test
Observe result
Revise hypothesis?

Medical
Science

High Cholesterol

Patient has high cholesterol

If certain chemicals that dissolve cholesterol deposits
are given to the patient, then this patients
cholesterol may get lowerd.
Give 100 patients these chemicals,
Give 100 patients placebo
Same number lower their cholesterol
as placebo patients
Try different combo of chemicals

New Test?

Re-run medical test. Observe results

Scientific Theory

Lipitor reduces cholesterol

Scientific Method
Observation

Everyday
Science

Car Repair

Engine wont turn over

Hypothesis (prediction)
use ifthen format

If battery is broken down and I replace it, then car

will start.

Test

Replace battery

Observe result

Engine now turns over

Revise hypothesis?

Not needed

New Test?

Not needed

Scientific Theory

Cars wont start without a fully

charged battery

Theories
So: a theory is a highly successful hypothesis
All hypotheses make predictions (ifthen)
All theories make predictions
All theories can be tested

Result: Any scientific theory is subject to change as our

ability to make tests, or make observations of a tests
results, improves with time

Drawing Appropriate Tables

Use a ruler and pencil to draw the table.

Write headings for each column and/or row of the table.
Include units when necessary in headings NOT inside the table.
Use same decimal place all around.

Graphing

Steps to draw a good graph

1) Identifying the type of data you have in order to choose
correctly the type of graph you need to do (ex: bar or line
graph).
2) Identify your dependant and independant variables and plot
them correctly in the graphs axis.
3) Name the axis correctly always inlcuding units when needed.
4) Choose wisely your scale (use the most of the grid (space)
provided).
5) Plot your data using the correct type of graph: bar chart or
line graph. (use pencil)

Type of Data
Numerical or Continuos Data:
Quantitative (numbers) Data. Continuous data is measured. A variable
that may contain any value within some range.
Ex:
Height
Temperature
Weight
Time
Length
Non-numerical or Discrete Data:
Qualitative (descriptive) data. Discrete data is counted. Data that is
grouped into separate categories.
Ex:
Gender
Colours
Number of people (you cant have half a person)
Number of items

Type of Variables
Dependant: Corresponds to the biological
response (results). The thing you are
meassuring.
In line graphs it goes on the y-axis

Independant: Corresponds to the

experimental treatment. The thing you
change to get results.
In line graphs it goes on the x-axis.

Bar Graphs or Charts

Bar graphs are appropriate for data that are
non-numerical.
Bars should be narrow with equal width and
with a gap between each bar.

Line Graphs
Line graphs are used when one
variable (independant) affects
another (the dependant).
Data must be numerical (continous)
for both variables.
Line graph: points should be clearly
marked by crosses (x) or encircled
dots ( ) or vertical crosses (+)
In biology, data points are
connected point to point.

Scientific Drawings

Requirements for a complete and

correct scientific drawing
1. Always use pencil
2. Use more than half of the space provided.
3. Use neat, clean, single lines. Do not use sketchy or
broken lines.
4. Do not shade or colour your drawings. Use dots to
indicate darker areas.
5. Labels and annotations (when asked). Use ruled
lines.
6. Draw only what you see and in the correct
proportions.

Calculating magnification

Magnification triangle

M= I/A
A=I/M
I=MxA

The answer is the magnification

(express your answer with a
letter X).
Magnifications are given in whole
numbers.

Activity
You will draw scientifically any object of
your pencilcase.
Then label some parts.
Calculate the magnification of your
drawing.