1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes
KEY CONCEPT
Science is a way of thinking, questioning, and
gathering evidence.
1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes
Like all science, biology is a process of inquiry.
• SCIENTIFIC METHOD PROCESS
1. Ask Questions/Make Observations
• Observations: Using your senses to collect
information (data) prior to experimenting
2. Form a Hypothesis
• Hypothesis: a proposed explanation for a
scientific question.
• Testable through an experiment
• Educated Guess – You need background
information and/or observations to predict your
hypothesis.
1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes
Scientific Method Process Continued
3. Test the hypothesis through an experiment
 Experiment: a step by step procedure used to
answer a scientific question.

An Experiment MUST HAVE:
1. Control Group/Constant: The condition or group that is
unchanged in an experiment.
o This group is the basis for comparison
2. Independent Variable: This is the group that is
manipulated or changed in an experiment.
3. Dependent Variable: What is being measured/
observed in the experiment.
1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes
Experiment Controls/Variables Example:
EXPERIMENT: One tank of gold fish is feed the normal amount which is
once day, second tank is feed twice a day, and a third tank four
times a day during a six week study. The fish’s body fat is recorded
daily.
• CG: ________________________________________________
• IV: _______________________________________________
• DV: _______________________________________________
1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes
Scientific Method Process Continued
4. Collect Data from your experiment
 Data can be:
 Quantitative: Numbers (ml, cm, seconds, degrees Celsius, # of
bacterial colony growth, ect)
 Qualitative: Descriptions (drawings, observations using senses:
color, smell, texture, ect)
1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes
Scientific Method Process Continued
5. Evaluate Data/Results
 To evaluate data is to draw conclusions from the
experiment. Make connections.
 Is your hypothesis supported, or declined?
1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes
• Experiments allow scientists to determine what causes a
phenomenon.
1.3 Scientific Thinking and Processes
A theory explains a wide range of observations.
• Theory: a proposed explanation for a wide range of
observations and experimental results.
 A theory is an hypothesis that has been supported by
a wide range of evidence.
 Examples: Natural Selection Theory & Cell Theory
 Theories are not Scientific Fact, it can be changed,
and can be proven false!