Science and the scientific method

Science and the scientific method

1. What is Science?

   • Study of the natural world
   • Based on observation and experimentation
   • Uses evidence to explain phenomenal
   • Knowledge is testable and verifiable

2. Independent variable

   • What is changed
   • Controlled by the experimenter
   • Example: amount of sunlight

3. Theory

   • Supported by many experiments
     • Can change with new evidence
       • Explains why something happens

4. Steps of the scientific method

   • 1. Observation
     • 2. Question or problem
       • 3. Research
         • 4. Hypothesis
           • 5. Experiment
             • 6. Data and analysis
               • 7. Conclusion
                 • 8. Communication

5. Hypothesis

   • Testable prediction
     • Based on observations

6. Law

   • Describes what happens
     • Often mathematical

7. Pseudoscience characteristics

   • Not based on scientific method
   • Ideas are not testable
   • Relies on personal beliefs, anecdotes or opinions
   • Uses scientific language incorrectly

8. Dependent variable

   • What is measured
   • Responds to the the change
   • Example: plant growth