Unlocking the Secrets of Science: Mastering the Scientific Method

Biology Grades High School 11:48 Video
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Lesson Description

This lesson explores the scientific method, emphasizing its practical application in biological investigations. Learn how to make observations, formulate testable hypotheses, design experiments, and interpret results to advance scientific understanding.

Video Resource

The scientific method

Khan Academy

Duration: 11:48
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Observation
  • Hypothesis formulation (testable explanation)
  • Experimental design
  • Data analysis and interpretation
  • Iteration and refinement of hypotheses

Learning Objectives

  • Students will be able to define the steps of the scientific method.
  • Students will be able to formulate a testable hypothesis based on an observation.
  • Students will be able to design a controlled experiment to test a hypothesis.
  • Students will be able to analyze experimental data and draw conclusions.
  • Students will be able to iterate on a hypothesis based on experimental results.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by engaging students with a real-world phenomenon (e.g., why does bread mold grow faster in some places than others?). Briefly discuss their initial thoughts and introduce the concept of the scientific method as a systematic approach to investigate such phenomena. Play the Khan Academy video 'The scientific method'.
  • Video Analysis and Discussion (15 mins)
    After watching the video, review the steps of the scientific method as presented by the video (observation, question, hypothesis, experiment, analysis, conclusion). Discuss the example in the video (pond freezing vs. ocean freezing) and emphasize the importance of a testable hypothesis. Address the difference between a testable and non-testable explanation.
  • Hypothesis Generation Practice (15 mins)
    Present several observational scenarios relevant to biology (e.g., plant growth under different light conditions, antibiotic resistance in bacteria). Have students work individually or in small groups to formulate testable hypotheses for each scenario. Share and discuss the hypotheses as a class, focusing on testability and clarity.
  • Experimental Design Activity (20 mins)
    Choose one of the hypotheses generated in the previous activity. Guide students through designing a controlled experiment to test the hypothesis. Focus on identifying independent and dependent variables, controls, and appropriate sample sizes. Discuss potential sources of error and how to minimize them.
  • Conclusion and Review (5 mins)
    Summarize the key steps of the scientific method and their importance in biological research. Emphasize the iterative nature of the scientific method and the importance of skepticism and reproducibility.

Interactive Exercises

  • Case Study Analysis
    Present students with a short case study of a biological discovery (e.g., the discovery of penicillin, the identification of DNA as the genetic material). Have them analyze the case study, identifying the steps of the scientific method that were used and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the research.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it important for a hypothesis to be testable?
  • What are the key components of a well-designed experiment?
  • How does the scientific method help us avoid making incorrect assumptions about the world?
  • How does iteration improve our understanding of a scientific phenomenon?

Skills Developed

  • Critical thinking
  • Experimental design
  • Data analysis
  • Hypothesis formulation
  • Problem-solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

What is the first step in the scientific method, as described in the video?

Correct Answer: Making an observation

Question 2:

A good hypothesis is:

Correct Answer: Testable and falsifiable

Question 3:

What is the purpose of a control group in an experiment?

Correct Answer: To provide a baseline for comparison

Question 4:

The process of repeating an experiment to verify the results is called:

Correct Answer: Reproducibility

Question 5:

Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method?

Correct Answer: Belief

Question 6:

What should you do if your experimental results do not support your hypothesis?

Correct Answer: Refine your hypothesis and design a new experiment

Question 7:

In the video's example, what was the hypothesis regarding the freezing point of water?

Correct Answer: Salt water has a lower freezing point than fresh water.

Question 8:

What is the purpose of iterating on a hypothesis?

Correct Answer: To continue refining the hypothesis to more closely reflect reality

Question 9:

Who was the scientist mentioned as being a proponent of scientific investigation and skepticism?

Correct Answer: Hasan Ibn al-Haytham (Alhazen)

Question 10:

What does 'controlling variables' in an experiment mean?

Correct Answer: Keeping all variables constant except the one being tested.

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

The first step of the scientific method is making an __________.

Correct Answer: observation

Question 2:

A testable explanation is called a __________.

Correct Answer: hypothesis

Question 3:

In an experiment, you change the __________ variable to see how it affects the dependent variable.

Correct Answer: independent

Question 4:

Ensuring an experiment can be repeated with similar results demonstrates its ___________.

Correct Answer: reproducibility

Question 5:

The process of refining a hypothesis based on experimental results is called __________.

Correct Answer: iteration

Question 6:

A __________ group is used in an experiment as a baseline for comparison.

Correct Answer: control

Question 7:

A good hypothesis must be __________ and falsifiable.

Correct Answer: testable

Question 8:

The Khan Academy video used the example of __________ freezing faster than the ocean to illustrate the scientific method.

Correct Answer: pond

Question 9:

__________ water has a lower freezing point than fresh water.

Correct Answer: salt

Question 10:

Hasan Ibn al-Haytham, also known as __________, was a scientist who emphasized skepticism.

Correct Answer: Alhazen

Educational Standards

B.LS1.3:[Standard] Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence of the importance of maintaining homeostasis in living organisms. B.LS4.1:[Standard] Communicate scientific information that common ancestry and biological evolution are supported by multiple lines of empirical evidence. B.LS4.5:[Standard] Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species.

Teaching Materials

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