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1. The scientific method
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2.
THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD
Scientific knowledge involves a specific language and its ownmethod of investigation
called the
scientific method
.
When a hypothesis is not corroborated
1
by the results of the experiment, a new
hypothesis has to be formulated and a new set of experiments to prove whether
it is true or not.
Scientific laws
are made from the hypotheses that have been proved. For
example, Newton’s first law of movement says that every object will stay at rest or
will continue in motion unless a force is applied to it.
A collection of scientific laws that explain various natural phenomena form
a
theory
. Scientific theories allow us to make predictions about natural
phenomena.
Analyse
3.
Fo
llowing the steps of the scientific method, test the following
hypothesis:
The bigger the mass of the object the faster it falls.
Write your
results.
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corroborate
:
to give strength to
an argument with new information
Scientific method steps
Example
1. Question
As scientists observe nature they ask
themselves a series of questions.
In the past scientists thought that living
things could come from non-living
things, like air or water. Others did not
think this was possible.
2. Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a provisional answer to
the question proposed.
The Italian doctor Francesco Redi was
convinced that living things could not
come from non-living things.
3. Experiment
Experiments are done under controlled
conditions to check if the hypothesis
formulated is correct. Experiment
design is the most complex and creative
step of the scientific method.
In 1668, in order to prove this
hypothesis, Redi completed the
following experiment: he put raw meat
in three glass jars: one covered with
cork, one with material, and the third
one uncovered.
4. Analysis of results and
confirmation of hypothesis
Analysis is the study of the results of
the experiment to prove whether the
hypothesis is true or false.
After three weeks he proved that there
were maggots only in the open jar, in
the one which flies could enter and
lay eggs. He therefore proved that
maggots did not come from meat or
air, but from the flies.
Key concept
❚
The
scientific
method
establishes rules and scientific
theories to explain natural
phenomenon.
