Why is the scientific method (SM) important?

The above presentation is a quick overview of the major parts of the scientific method.  As you work through your lab simulations on the Campbell website, think about what steps your are focusing on.

Most students have a hard time with making conclusions.  It is a difficult task because you have to put together so many different pieces into a logical explanation.

Here is a short online game that tests your ability to look for key pieces of information, make small inferences and come to conclusions.  The questions get tougher the higher the dollar amount.

In class we will be applying what we know about the scientific method to our own experiments.  Our experiments will fall into four categories.  Each type of experiment will have its benefits.  1 and 2 are designed to give all students a common experience and develop your prior knowledge and are typically what you may have had in previous courses.  3 and 4 are higher levels on inquiry where the student is more in control of how they want to approach the question and experiment.  These types of experiments are often more challenging for students because there isn't "one right answer".

1.  Confirmation - we know the expected outcome of our experiment and we try to confirm the principle or idea

2.  Structured - a question will be presented for you and you'll use a guided procedure

3.  Guided - a questions will be presented for you and you'll create your own procedure

4.  Open inquiry - you begin with the question and create your own procedure