John Bowne High School



Scientific method & applying to problems

Aim: How can we apply the steps of the scientific method to a problem?

Scientists often use controlled experiments when doing research. In a controlled experiment, there are two types of setups: 1-The “experimental setup”, and 2-a “control setup”. The experimental and control setups are identical except for a single factor, or variable (independent variable), which is being tested. An experiment is an investigation done in a controlled setting that tests the hypothesis.

The “experiment setup” use the independent variable see if it works. The “controlled setup” never use the independent variable. The “controlled setup” is used to compare to the “experiment setup” to indicate if the “independent variable” actually works. In order to plan an experiment there are parts that must be identify to conduct an experiment. They are:

1-The problem question or title: The problem question and the title are two different ways of phasing the “same idea”. Example: If the problem question is “How does fertilizer affect plants?” the title will be “The effects of fertilizer on plants.”

2-The independent variable is also known as the “cause” or “test factor” that can change the result of the experiment. Thus, independent variable = cause = test factor. Example: the amount of fertilizer.

3-The dependent variable is also known as the “effect” or “result” by the test factor (or independent variable). The dependent variable can be measured by using measurement units. Example: Distance (meter), weighs (grams), volume (liters), and temperature (Celsius). Thus, dependent variable = cause = result. Example: the height of the plant.

4-Hypothesis is a statement or educated guess that tries to explain the cause (= independent variable = test factor) of the effect (dependent variable = result = the thing that can be measured). The hypothesis is never stated as a question. Thus, a hypothesis is an educated guess that tries to explain the cause of the effect. Example: Fertilizer causes taller plants.

5-Controlled condition: Every condition except the independent and dependent variable should be the same in each group. Example: this would show that differences in plant growth are because of fertilizer and not differences in sun light, water, temperature and type of plant which are all the same in each group of the experiment.

6-Control group is used to compare with the experimental group. The control group has the same “controlled condition” as the experimental group, but does not use the independent variable.

7-Sample size: Each time an experimental group is carried out, it is called a trial. More than one trial should be performed in an experiment. The average of many trials gives a more accurate result than just one or two trials.

8-Data collected is the recorded units of measurement in the experiment. Example: height in millimeters.

9-Conclusion states whether or not the independent variable had a significant effect on the dependent variable.

Lesson Plan to apply the steps of the scientific method to a problem

Aim: How can we apply the steps of the scientific method to a problem?

Standard 1:

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Common Core Learning Standards for Literacy in History/ Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects.

RST.9-10.3, RST.9-10.4, WHST.9-10.1e

INSTRUCTIONAL MODIFICATIONS FOR ELL/SP, ED, STUDENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

1-Provide dictionaries/glossaries

2-Procide alternate reading/writing material to differentiate task

3-Provide extra scaffolding for vocabulary attainment

4-Provide extra wait time for oral response to questions

5-Use of graphic organizers

6-Use more visuals through technology

- Instructional objectives: In addition to being provided with the opportunity to read, write, and speak in order to increase literacy….SWBAT

Objectives:

-Explain a hypothesis.

-Explain an independent variable.

-Explain a dependent variable.

-Explain a control group.

-Explain controlled condition.

-Explain an experiment group.

-Explain a conclusion.

Key questions:

-What is an experiment?

-What is a hypothesis?

-What is a control group?

-Why are controlled conditions necessary in an experiment?

-What is an experiment group?

-What is an independent variable?

-What is a dependent variable?

-How is a control group different than an experiment group?

-How is an independent variable different than a dependent variable in an experiment?

-Why is it necessary to have a large number of trials in an experiment?

Assessing students’ prior knowledge, understanding, and misconceptions:

Do Now: Write a sentence or more explaining how to identify the independent and dependent variable of an experiment.

Motivation/Context.

Explain what happens when an experiment has more than one independent variable.

Introduction of understanding: (associate the new understanding with prior knowledge)

Give worksheet to students to work in pair-share thinking or in group. The pairs or groups are given different problems to solve.

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Check Point(s)

Have students report to each other and/ or to the entire class what they have learned as a check on the progress of the teaching.

Further Development of understanding: Pair-share thinking or group work

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Check Point(s)

Have students report to each other and/ or to the entire class what they have learned as a check on the progress of the teaching.

Provide an exit slip to each student.

Homework:

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