Unit 9: Science Meets Real Life
Kaplan University
SC300: Big Ideas in Science: From Methods to Mutation Part 1: The scientific method involves using several steps in order to reach a conclusion about a particular inquiry. The steps are basically an investigation process. The method is an ongoing cycle that should be applied with intelligence and creativity. Some of the steps can occur at the same time, in a different order or even repeated during the experiment in order to improve the conclusion. (about.com. 2011) Typically the scientific method involves the following steps:
Ask a question: A question needs to be specific in order to provide direct focus to the inquiry (about.com. 2011).
Research the topic: Research needs to be detailed in order to learn as much as possible to help with your question (about.com. 2011.)
Formulate a hypothesis: A hypothesis is a statement regarding the cause and effect of the situation surrounding your question (about.com. 2011.)
Test the hypothesis: Testing involves the planning and carrying out of a procedure or set of procedures to gather data (about.com. 2011). Whether we know it or not the scientific method is being used in everything we do. For instance, I arrive at home after dark. After opening the door, I reach for the light switch. When I flip the switch to turn the light on nothing happens. Here is where I am going to start applying the scientific method. Why is the light out? My research is going to start with me looking at the switch to see if I was flipping the correct one. There are a lot of homes where the wall plate has multiple switches. Having multiple switches is an indicator that the electricity is being directed to different places within the home. In my home, I have a multiple wall plate that has a switch to my outside security light, my kitchen and my dining room. Perhaps the light didn’t come on because it was as simple as using the wrong switch. Another point of research is to check the light
SC300: Big Ideas in Science: From Methods to Mutation Part 1: The scientific method involves using several steps in order to reach a conclusion about a particular inquiry. The steps are basically an investigation process. The method is an ongoing cycle that should be applied with intelligence and creativity. Some of the steps can occur at the same time, in a different order or even repeated during the experiment in order to improve the conclusion. (about.com. 2011) Typically the scientific method involves the following steps:
Ask a question: A question needs to be specific in order to provide direct focus to the inquiry (about.com. 2011).
Research the topic: Research needs to be detailed in order to learn as much as possible to help with your question (about.com. 2011.)
Formulate a hypothesis: A hypothesis is a statement regarding the cause and effect of the situation surrounding your question (about.com. 2011.)
Test the hypothesis: Testing involves the planning and carrying out of a procedure or set of procedures to gather data (about.com. 2011). Whether we know it or not the scientific method is being used in everything we do. For instance, I arrive at home after dark. After opening the door, I reach for the light switch. When I flip the switch to turn the light on nothing happens. Here is where I am going to start applying the scientific method. Why is the light out? My research is going to start with me looking at the switch to see if I was flipping the correct one. There are a lot of homes where the wall plate has multiple switches. Having multiple switches is an indicator that the electricity is being directed to different places within the home. In my home, I have a multiple wall plate that has a switch to my outside security light, my kitchen and my dining room. Perhaps the light didn’t come on because it was as simple as using the wrong switch. Another point of research is to check the light
References: about.com. 2011. Scientific Method. Retrieved September 2, 2011. HYPERLINK "http://physics.about.com/od/toolsofthetrade/a/scimethod.htm" http://physics.about.com/od/toolsofthetrade/a/scimethod.htm about.com. 2011. Hypothesis. Retrieved September 2, 2011. HYPERLINK "http://physics.about.com/od/physics101thebasics/a/hypothesis.htm" http://physics.about.com/od/physics101thebasics/a/hypothesis.htm ehow.com. 2011. What Happens When a Light Bulb Burns Out? Retrieved September 2, 2011. HYPERLINK "http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5207404_happens-light-bulb-burns-out_.html" http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5207404_happens-light-bulb-burns-out_.html