Friday, August 17, 2012

how have I used the scientific method thought my life and the steps it takes in this class

  I have used the scientific method several times in my life. The main place I have used it was in 8th Grade science class and physical science class my freshmen, 9th grade, year. I haven't used it much since. I had a little refresher course on it in Chemistry and Biology but that is about it.
 the nessisary ones for this class is:
Problem/question: develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation.
Observation/research; make observations and research your topic of interest.
Formulate a hypothesis: predict a possible answer to the problem or question.
Collect and analyze results: modify the procedure if needed.
Confirm the results by retesting
Include tables, graphs, and photographs
Conclusion: include a statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis.
Make recommendations for further study and possible improvements to the procedure
Communicate the results: be prepared to present the project to an audience.
Expect questions from the audience

When I did a project using the scientific method I've always been given the problem/question I've never formulated it by myself. I have never in the past had to do much observing, but the one time I did it seemed pointless because I was just seeing if a rock made a chemical change colors. I usually had to formulate my hypothesis before I observed though but they always seemed to have us go back to our observations. We collected results but they weren't really anything other than "Did the rock change color" "yes" or "no" but nothing really past that. We always had to conclude how we thought this was done but we never got a definite answer. We communicated our results by filling out worksheets. My skills haven't really went beyond that yet.
      One way you can use the scientific method is by going to the grocery store. you go to the store with a list of things you need in your house. You then observe the prices of the food and decide between taste and price, or even just what you buy regularly.  after that you decide if the price is worth the item (formulating your hypothesis). you collect your data by putting it in your shopping cart. After that you communicate your results by paying for it then cooking/eating/drinking it.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

This blog is for my Earth Science Class. I am not big on science and I usually suck at it, I think this class is going to be different though and I think I might enjoy it.