Scientific Method Knowledge
1. A hypothesis can be supported, modified, or rejected based on collected data.
2. Hypotheses are tentative explanations that account for a set of facts and can be tsted by further investigations.
3. A theory is an explanation of a large body of information, experimental and inferential, and serves as an overreaching framework for numberous concepts.
4. A theory is subject to change as new evidence becomes available.
5. Science depends on experimental and observational confirmation and is subject to change as new evidence becomes available.
Scientific Method Skills
1. Collect preliminary observations, both qualitative and quantitative.
2. Make clear distinctions among observations, inferences, and predictions.
3. Formulate hypotheses based on cause and effect relationships.
4. Justify the hypotheses based both on preliminary observation and scientific literature.
5. Identify the independent variable (IV) and the values of the IV that will be used in the experiment
6. Select dependent variables that allow collection of quantitative data.
7. Use appropriate technology for data collection.
8. Identify variables that must be eld constant.
9. Establish controls as appropriate.
10. Write clear, replicable procedures.
11. Record quantitative data in clearly labeled tables with correct units.
12. Include labeled diagrams in the data record.
13. Critically examine and discuss the validity of results reported in scientific literature and databases.
14. Explain how competing theories based on the same observations can be equally valid.
15. Recognize that in order to ensure the validity of scientific investigations, other members of the scientific community must evaluate the work.
16. Determine the range, mean, and value for data.
17. Plot data graphically, showing the independent and dependent variables.
18. Discuss accuracy, confidence, and sources of experimental error based on number of trials and variables in the data.
19. Recognize and discuss contradictory or unusual data.
20. Use evidence, apply logic, and construct an argument for conclusions based on reported data.
21. Determine the extent to which data supports/does not support the hypothesis, and propose further hypotheses and directions for continued research.