Scientific Method & Unit Conversions
The first step of the Scientific Method
The first step in the Scientific Method is: Observation
The variable that is measure/recorded/counted
The Dependent Variable is the variable that is measured/recorded/counted and it changes DEPENDING on the Independent Variable
Seeks to explain the natural world and answer questions
Science
An explanation of phenomena that is universally accepted and describes something of our natural world
Scientific Law
The vertical axis (goes up and down the page)
The y axis is the vertical axis (goes up and down page)
How many grams are in a kilogram (kg)?
1000 (the prefix kilo means 1000)
The variable that is changed by the experimenter
The Independent Variable is changed by the experimenter to observe the results in the experimental trials
Seeks to design solutions to problems we face in the natural world
Engineering
What is the difference between correlation and causation?
Causation - one variable directly causes a change in the other variable
Correlation - two variables happen to change at the same time and may be linked in some way, but does not directly cause the change in the other
This variable goes on the y-axis
The Dependent Variable goes on the y-axis
List all of the steps of the Scientific Method
Observation
Hypothesis
Experiment
Data Collection
Conclusion
Retest
Control Variables are factors that are kept the same/constant in an experiment to ensure the results are directly related to the experimental trials
Defining the problem is a part of which field?
Engineering
What is the difference between hypothesis and theory?
Hypothesis can be tested (comes before experimentation) and Theory has already been broadly tested
The method for Titling a graph: _________ vs ________
Dependent Variable (y-axis) vs Independent Variable (x-axis)
Convert 88.2 decimeters (dm) to meters (m)
88.2dm x (1m / 10dm) =
8.82m
The purpose of a Control Group in an experiment is to be used as a comparison of the normal conditions with the experimental trials
Evaluating and refining solutions to problems to make the solution better is called
Optimization
What is the one thing that evolves a hypothesis into a theory and a theory into scientific law
Evidence!
The 5 Graphing Requirements
1. Title
2. Label Axes
3. Label Units
4. Proper Scale
5. Plot Points Accurately
*NEATNESS*
Convert 35.7 hectoliters (hL) to milliliters (mL)
35.7hL x (100L / 1hL) x (1000mL / 1L) =
3,570,000mL
DOUBLE JEOPARDY!!
Mr. Jorgensen is wondering if adding salt to water will increase the boiling point temperature and cook his pasta quicker. Each night he changes the grams of salt added to the water and measures the temperature that the water boils at. Identify the Independent Variable, the Dependent Variable, 3 Control Variables AND the Control Group.
Dependent Variable: Boiling Point Temperature
Independent Variable: Grams of salt added to water
Control Variables: Same amount of water, same stove/burner, same pot, same thermometer, same salt...
Control Group: Water without any added salt.
How are science and engineering related/similar?
They both rely on each other to advance their field.
They both use mathematics, scientific models, tools, scientific knowledge and critical thinking.
Correlation or Causation: Wearing red jerseys and winning frequency in sports. Explain.
Correlation!
Calculate the slope between the 2 points on a Distance vs Time graph: P1 (30s , 87m) and P2 (74s , 211m)
Slope = Rise/Run or Y2 - Y1 / X2 - X1
X1=30 Y1=87 X2=74 Y2=211
Slope = (211m - 87m) / (74s - 30s) -> 124m / 44s = 2.8m/s
Slope = 2.8m/s