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Minds on

MINDS ON

 

Solving a Problem...Science Style!

Review the following image that outlines the key steps of the Scientific Method.

Image shows the following key steps of the Scientific Method: 1. Explore and Observe, 2. Ask a question, 3. Make a prediction, 4. Design and do the experiment and 5. Analyze results and design conclusions.

Applying the Science Method

How do scientists Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage use the Scientific Method as they investigate the validity of the Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 moon landing?

 

This is the ePortfolio icon.TIP - Two Column Graphic Organizer

  • Watch the video, while having the Two Column Graphic Organizer in a split-screen (on your computer) to jot down your ideas and reactions.
  • When you have completed the Two-Column Graphic Organizer, SAVE the document in such a way that you can refer to it later.
  • When saving documents ensure you have named the file with a meaningful title so you can refer back to it easily.
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Forming a Testable Question

The very basis of science is based on making an observation and asking the question Why? However some questions cannot be answered through an experiment. For example why do most teachers grade assignments using a red pen? Scientific exploration requires a testable question that can be answered by designing and conducting an experiment.

For example:

  • What type of fertilizer will make grass grow the quickest?

A non-testable question cannot be answered by conducting an experiment; rather information can be researched and collected to support a response.

For example:

  • What is the flu?

 

 

This is the discussion icon.What was the MythBusters' Testable Question?

  • Review your notes from the MythBusters - Moon Landing Video.
  • What was the testable question that Jamie and Adam are investigating?
Join The Discussion
Action.

ACTION

What do you see?

Watch the following demonstration. Have a piece of paper handy to record your observations. You will be prompted to pause the video at various times to note your observations. 

 

Let’s review some comments that you may have noted during this demonstration.

  • The candle is cylinder shaped.
  • The candle produces a flame.
  • The candle is a solid.
  • The candle produces heat.
  • The candle is a yellow-cream colour.
  • The candle is waxy.
  • The candle has a black wick.
  • The object on the table is a candle.

Are these statements only observations?

U1A2ObservationInferences

 

Observations and Inferences

Scientists make observations throughout an investigation, so that they can further analyze what they have witnessed and make inferences as to whether their hypotheses are supported.

Observations and inferences are the foundation of scientific investigation.

Review the examples shown in the chart below:

Observation

  • Information collected using the five (5) senses

Inference

  • Drawing a conclusion based on the observation and information.
  • Could be considered a story

“The ground is wet”

“It likely rained last night”

“That person is running”

“Someone could be chasing them”

“The liquid is clear and colourless”

“The liquid is water”

 

 

This is the discussion icon.Now You Try! Observe and Infer.

  • Review the pictures below and consider what you observe and what you could infer about the image.
    • Choose three (3) images and write down your observations and inferences
  • Now go back to the images and suggest an alternative inference for the three images that you choose initially
  • Practice using the Observation/ Inference Graphic Organizer to more clearly organize and format your work.
Join The Discussion

 

Observations and Inferences

 

 

This is the ePortfolio icon.TIP - Save Your Work

  • When you have completed the Observation and Inference Graphic Organizer, SAVE the document in such a way that you can make reference to it later.
  • When saving documents ensure you have named the file with a meaningful title so that you can refer back to it easily.
Go To Portfolio
 

Variables

Scientists must consider variables that can impact or influence the outcome of an investigation.

This is a graphic organizers discussing variables. See the long description for details.
Long description

Often when trying to determine which variable you are considering, ask yourself these questions:

This is the question/answer icon. Questions

 
  1. What can be changed in a science experiment?
    Answer

    Independent Variable.

 
  1. What can be tested and measured?
    Answer

    Dependent Variable.

 
  1. What can be controlled and kept the same?
    Answer

    Controlled Variable.

 

This is the ePortfolio icon.TIP - Save Your Work

  • The graphic showing information about variables may be a good resource to reference later on in the course.
  • Take a screenshot and SAVE the document in such a way that you can refer to it later.
Go To Portfolio

 

Identifying Variables

Now it is your turn!

Let’s practice identifying types of variables in example investigations.

General instructions for the interactive below:

  • Click on each picture to read the scenario.
  • For each scenario identify the following:
    • Independent variable
    • Dependent variable
    • Control variable

U1A2IdentifyingVariables

 

The Scientific Method

Let’s put our new skills of observing, inferring and identifying variables together in one problem-solving process called the Scientific Method.

Review the graphic image that illustrates the key steps of the Scientific Method:

Graphic Organizer outlining 6 key steps of Scientific Method: 1) Question, 2) Hypothesis, 3) Experiment, 4) Observe & Record, 5) Analyse and 6) Sharing Results

 

Long Description

 

 

Using the Scientific Method

Let's dissect the Buzz on Energy Drinks investigation  and identify how Richard the Scientist used the Scientific Method to investigate the impact of Energy Drinks on an individual's energy level.

U1A2Quiz

 
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