IC - The Scientific Method (Lesson)
The Scientific Method
What is the Scientific Method?
The scientific method is an organized way for scientists to solve problems or answer questions. We will utilize this process in all labs and investigations for this course, so a firm understanding of this process is required. You will be introduced to the scientific method and common scientific practices through a real life scientific investigation on the series Chemistry Matters, produced by Georgia Public Broadcasting.
The Scientific Method
Scientists utilize certain practices when approaching a question or problem. Let’s take a look at these common practices while solving a predicament that recently baffled many Georgia scientists. As you watch the following clips, take notes on important concepts using the note taking guide above each video.
Download the note taking guide for Scientific Method A
Links to an external site..
What are some questions that you might ask in your investigation of the fish kill?
- Did the fish die because of chemical pollution?
- Did the fish die because of excessive heat?
- Was there a drought that prevented the animals from getting enough water?
- Did the fish have some kind of disease that killed them?
- Was there a predatory invader that killed the fish?
Download the note taking guide for Scientific Method B. Links to an external site.
Which of the following is NOT a hypothesis?
- Why did all of the fish die on the Ogeechee River?
- Pesticides can kill fish.
- Fish died on the Ogeechee River due to chemical exposure.
- If the temperature in the river rises, fish will be deprived of oxygen.
Click here to download the note taking guide for Scientific Method C. Links to an external site.
Download the note taking guide for Scientific Method D. Links to an external site.
Science and Engineering Practice
In the activity below you will see the various science and engineering practices that are used to solve problems or answer questions. Place these practices in the correct order by dragging and dropping in the appropriately numbered box.
Lab Report
You have now seen many important science and engineering practices associated with the scientific method. We will apply these practices to our lab reports that will accompany all labs in the course. The following lab report template document provides a description of each of the required sections on lab reports. Lab reports display the process of the scientific method in a written format. Be sure to use this template for all lab submissions in chemistry.
Download the Lab Report Template. Links to an external site.
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