Problem Solving

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Problem Solving

• The Scientific Method

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The scientific method utilizes a pattern or
set of steps to solve problems.

• Observe.
• Ask a question or identify the problem.
• Make more observations.
• Form a hypothesis.
• Test hypothesis or experiment.
• Record and study data.
• Form a conclusion.

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Scientific revolution and the scientific method.

• Revolution began with Nicholas Copernicus
• Galileo built first telescope able to check
  out his own theories and prove some of them.
  First to use the scientific method.
• Isaac Newton often referred to as father of
  modern day science
• Based his theories on observations of natural
  phenomena. (means observable facts or events)

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Putting it all together

• Scientists talk about having a protocol for an
  experiment. Protocol is another word for plan.
• Experiments have to be repeated many times to see
  if the same result is obtained each time. Having
  a set method or protocol will ensure the
  experiment is repeated the same each time.

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Hypotheses lead to predictions.

• A hypothesis is a possible answer to a scientific
  question. In your conclusion you must state that
  your hypothesis was proven or rejected.
• If the hypothesis is supported after several
  tests, then the hypothesis becomes a theory.
• Remember, a theory is the best explanation that
  scientists have to explain things they have
  observed. It is not a proven fact.

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Experiments test hypotheses.

• The experiment is the most exciting part of the
  scientific method.
• The test of a hypothesis is called an experiment.
• The condition that is tested is known as the
  variable.
• The control is the basis for the comparison.
• This is part of the experiment that stays the
  same.
• The things that remain the same are the
  constants.
• While testing you collect data from your
  experiment.
• The conclusion reports the results of the
  experiment and states whether or not the
  hypothesis still seems reasonable,

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Some questions to answer

• List the seven steps of the scientific method.
• Observe.
• Ask a question or identify the problem.
• Make more observations.
• Form a hypothesis.
• Test hypothesis or experiment.
• Record and study data.
• Form a conclusion.

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Who built a telescope in 1609 and used the
scientific method?

• Galileo
• Sir Isaac Newton
• Copernicus

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A hypothesis can be described as

• An answer
• A wild guess
• A prediction

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What is a theory?

• a theory is the best explanation that scientists
  have to explain things they have observed. It is
  not a proven fact.

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A variable is

• kind of hypothesis
• Any factor that can change in an experiment

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• You cant perform an experiment without a
  microscope/control.
• control

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• In a given experiment how many variables should
  you change?
• one

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• When a scientists finishes an experiment, he or
  she writes up a formal _________.
• conclusion