PS+1+-+Scientific+Inquiry


 * ====Standard PS-1:==== || ====The student will demonstrate an understanding of how scientific inquiry and technological design, including mathematical analysis, can be used appropriately to pose questions, seek answers, and develop solutions.==== ||

Performing an Experiment
 * Indicators:**
 * || PS-1.1 || Generate hypotheses on the basis of credible, accurate, and relevant sources of scientific information. //(Supporting document available soon)// ||
 * || PS-1.2 || Use appropriate laboratory apparatuses, technology, and techniques safely and accurately when conducting a scientific investigation. //(Supporting document available soon)// ||
 * || PS-1.3 || Use scientific instruments to record measurement data in appropriate metric units that reflect the precision and accuracy of each particular instrument. //(Supporting document available soon)// ||
 * || PS-1.4 || Design a scientific investigation with appropriate methods of control to test a hypothesis (including independent and dependent variables), and evaluate the designs of sample investigations. //(Supporting document available soon)// ||
 * || PS-1.5 || Organize and interpret the data from a controlled scientific investigation by using mathematics (including formulas and dimensional analysis), graphs, models, and/or technology. //(Supporting document available soon)// ||
 * || PS-1.6 || Evaluate the results of a controlled scientific investigation in terms of whether they refute or verify the hypothesis. //(Supporting document available soon)// ||
 * || PS-1.7 || Evaluate a technological design or product on the basis of designated criteria (including cost, time, and materials). //(Supporting document available soon)// ||
 * || PS-1.8 || Compare the processes of scientific investigation and technological design. //(Supporting document available soon)// ||
 * || PS-1.9 || Use appropriate safety procedures when conducting investigations. //(Supporting document available soon)// ||
 * || PS-1.9 || Use appropriate safety procedures when conducting investigations. //(Supporting document available soon)// ||

In a scientific experiment you are trying to answer a question. In science we answer this question by looking at two groups: the control group and the experimental group. The experimental group is the group that has the change applied to it. The difference between the control group and the experimental group is what you are investigating. This is the independent variable. How you measure this change is the dependent variable. In other words, the change that you make from the control group to the experimental group is the independent variable. All factors other than the one you are investigating should remain the same for the control group and experimental group. These called are constants. Independent variable Dependent variable Constant Control group
 * What the experimenter changes.
 * What the experimenter measures/observes
 * Anything that is kept the same for both the experimental group and the control group.
 * What you compare the experimental group (the group you have changed) to.

•  A __Line Graph__ shows a relationship where the dependent variable changes due to a change in the independent variable. – The __scale__ should make the graph readable  –  The __x-axis__ should always be used for the independent variable  –  The __y-axis__ should always be used for the dependent variable  –  Units of measurement should be consistent

• __Bar graphs__ compare information collected by counting. •  __Circle graphs__ or pie charts show how a whole is broken into parts.

• A standard is an exact quantity that people agree to use for comparison. – Measurements using the same standards can be compared to each other. • In scientific measurement, length is the distance between two points. • The SI unit of length is the meter (m)  • In scientific measurement, volume is the amount of space occupied by an object • The SI unit of volume is m 3. Volume is commonly measured in mL. (1mL=1cm 3 ) • In scientific measurement, mass is a measure of the quantity of matter in an object. • The SI unit of mass is kg. Mass is commonly measured in grams. • In scientific measurement, density is the mass per unit volume of a material. • Density= mass/volume
 * **SI Base Units** ||
 * **__Quantity__** **__Measured__** || **__Unit__** || **__Symb__****__ol__** ||
 * Length || meter || m ||
 * Mass || kilogram || kg ||
 * Time || second || s ||
 * Electric Current || ampere || A ||
 * Temperature || kelvin || K ||
 * Amount of Substance || mole || mol ||