The document outlines the scientific method process which includes asking questions, forming hypotheses, designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating results. It discusses key aspects of experiments such as variables, measurements, and data presentation in tables and graphs like bar graphs and line graphs. The document also explains models, theories, and laws, stating that models represent systems, theories explain hypotheses and observations, and laws summarize experimental results.

1. Holt: Ch. 1, Sections 2 & 3
Fusion: Unit 1, Lesson 3

2.  a way in which
scientists answer
questions and solve
problems
Organized process
Generally, 6 steps
Use all or some
Repeat steps

3.  Ask a question
 After making observations
 Only 1
 Form a hypothesis
 Use what you know
 If…then
 Testable
 Not right or wrong
 Possible answer to question

4.  Test the hypothesis
 Design an experiment
 Controlled
 Constants
 Variables
 Independent and dependent
 Measurements/Observations/Data
 Analyze the results
 Calculations
 Tables/graphs
 Relationships

5. What is data?
 It is information
gathered during an
experiment.
 It is organized into
a data table and
displayed visually
as a graph.

6.  BAR GRAPHS: can be used
to show how something
changes or to compare items.
 have an x-axis (horizontal)
and a y-axis (vertical)
 the x-axis has independent
variable
 the y-axis has numbers
dependent variable

7.  LINE GRAPHS: can be used to
show how something changes over
time
 x-axis has numbers for the time
period
 y-axis has numbers for what is
being measured.
 can be used when you're plotting
data that has peaks (ups) and
valleys (downs), or that was
collected in a short time period.
 Used for two sets of numerical
data (ex: time and temp)

8.  Draw conclusions
 Again: not right or wrong
 Does the data support your hypothesis?
 A guide for future investigation
 Communicate results
 Important!
 Papers, presentations, web site
 Keeps science going!

10.  A model is a representation
of an object or system
 Uses something familiar to
help you understand
something that is not
familiar.
 Physical, mathematical and
conceptual

12.  Mathematical equations
and data
 Calculations- such as force
and acceleration
 Many done by computers

13.  Based on certain “concepts”
 Take some data into account, not others
 Ex: Age of the universe vs. age of nearby stars

15.  Scientific Theories
 A theory is an explanation
for many hypotheses and
observations
 Supported by repeated tests
 Can predict what may
happen
 Scientists use models to
explain and change their
theories
 Examples: Big Bang Theory,
theory of evolution
 Scientific Laws
 A law is a summary of many
experimental results and
observations
 When a model correctly
predicts results of many
different experiments
 Tell you what happens- not
why
 Examples: law of the
conservation of mass