Science is about Facts… And Arguing - lots and lots of arguing
In science we argue a lot!
Insta vs. Tiktok?
The arguments which are best supported by facts are considered to be a theory
Theories are the best explanations we have for why things happen, the best theories are backed up by facts!
A fact is an observation which can be measured and is quantifiable. It definitely, most definitely is never based on opinion.
I hate green asparagus - This is a opinion, it depends on the person
Green asparagus is green - This is fact, green asparagus looks green to every person
But how do we get facts ?!
We observe something. Predict what might happen. Test. Watch results. Update prediction. Test again. Repeat until results are always the same as prediction, and then boom: fact!
This fancy method has a name called the Scientific Method
Experiments … AKA the Scientific Method
Control Variable:
The elements within an experiment that remain constant or unchanged
Manipulated Variable:
The one element within an experiment that is changed or varied throughout an experiment
Responding Variable:
An observed change within the experiment that happens as a result of a change in the manipulated variable
How the scientific method works via experimentation
Formulate a question
Do plants need sunlight to grow
Research the question (Maybe the question has already been answered!)
Plants convert light into energy using chlorophyll
Form a hypothesis
Hypothesis is written in a form called if...then statement (If we change this then this will change as a result)
If we adjust the volume knob on the radio,
then the radio will play louder.
If we flick on the light switch,
then the lights will light up.
Now we sprinkle in Manipulated Variable and Responding Variable into the hypothesis:
If the Manipulated Variable is describe change,
then the Responding Variable will describe change.
If the light given to a plant is increased then the plant growth will increase
4. Following a method or procedure carry out the experiment
Grow plants in dark vs. grow plant in light
5. Collect data
Plant that was grown in light grew 10 cm! OMG!
6. Analyze and discuss Data
Answer questions about the data
Are there any patterns or trends you notice with the data?
7. Discuss Reliability and Validity of the experiment
Reliability (any “screw ups” in the lab) :
Reliability means the experiment can be repeated with consistent results
The experiment can be done over, and over, and over, and over…and over, and still have the same results
Are there parts of the experiment that can change results when repeated ?
Can you imagine a better way to conduct the experiment?
Validity (how you make the lab better):
A valid experiment is when the experiment tests the hypothesis accurately
Ex. Using our hypothesis “If the light given to a plant is increased then the plant growth will increase”
Measuring plant height as proof that a plant grew (Yes! Valid experiment!)
Measuring plant colour as proof that a plant grew (Boo! Not a valid experiment!)
Measuring plant width as proof that a plant grew (Yes! Valid experiment!)
Measuring plant texture as proof that a plant grew (Boo! Not a valid experiment!)
Measuring plant height using a measuring tape (Yes! Valid experiment!)
Measuring plant height by ‘eye-balling it’ as proof that a plant grew (Boo! Not a valid experiment!)
8. Conclusions - Based on data we either accept or reject hypothesis
(Fancy-sciencey way to say the hypothesis is true or not)
Re-state hypothesis, followed by 'is accepted' or 'is rejected', and why.
The hypothesis that: If the light given to a plant is increased then the plant growth will increase, is accepted. The data shows that as we increased the amount of light, the height of the plant increased, thus supporting our hypothesis.
How to communicate ideas and facts in a efficient manner (aka how to be good at arguing)
In your brain this is how you would envision & logically order a presentation/poster/argument to support your topic:
