Scientists change and shape our world by developing explanations and making sense of the things we do not know or do not understand in our world (and outside of our world). For example, Louis Pasteur's controlled experiment that investigated the question, "Can microorganisms (germs) generate spontaneously?" has completely changed modern medicine. Pasteur proved that microorganisms do not grow randomly, and that microorganisms must travel through the air or through direct physical contact in order to grow.
As result of Pasteur's experiment, billions and billions of lives have been saved. For hundreds of years now, doctors around the world make sure to wash their hands and sanitize facilities to keep disease-causing germs from spreading. In our school, we know always to wash our hands before and after experimenting, and to cover our mouths when sneezing. We have Louis Pasteur to thank!
As result of Pasteur's experiment, billions and billions of lives have been saved. For hundreds of years now, doctors around the world make sure to wash their hands and sanitize facilities to keep disease-causing germs from spreading. In our school, we know always to wash our hands before and after experimenting, and to cover our mouths when sneezing. We have Louis Pasteur to thank!
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As we move forward with selecting our testable questions for our independent scientific investigations, it is important that we think about the purpose and meaning of our investigations. Not every science experiment can (or should) totally change something as dramatic as the way we practice medicine, but every science experiment should aim to shed some light on something that is meaningful to someone out there. That someone may be you, a family member, friend, pet, or all of the above! Just remember to think about how answering your testable question (through a controlled experiment) can make some sort of impact.
Scientists are problem solvers. They observe problems in our world ("O" in Dr. OPHERC), such as the increase in greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, the spread of malaria, the rise of diabetes in the United States, the shortage of drinkable water in certain parts of the world, species extinction, etc. With these observations, scientists develop purpose/questions ("P" in Dr. OPHERC) that are testable for investigation to gather evidence to shed light on why these problems exist and how to solve them.
Our experiments may not shed light on something as "big" as global warming, but will definitely give you a better understanding of something that is important to YOU or someone in your life. This understanding can lead you (and possibly others) to make better decisions. These decisions can be related to health (how to snack more healthfully), academics (how to study more effectively), performance in sports (how to score more points in a soccer game), and even performance in video games (so that you have more time to do your homework, of course)!
If you find that none of the testable questions you have developed (so far) have any meaning or purpose (to you), don't be afraid to start from scratch. Just make sure to start with a topic that is interesting and/or meaningful to YOU.
Will YOU be the next Louis Pasteur?!
Scientists are problem solvers. They observe problems in our world ("O" in Dr. OPHERC), such as the increase in greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, the spread of malaria, the rise of diabetes in the United States, the shortage of drinkable water in certain parts of the world, species extinction, etc. With these observations, scientists develop purpose/questions ("P" in Dr. OPHERC) that are testable for investigation to gather evidence to shed light on why these problems exist and how to solve them.
Our experiments may not shed light on something as "big" as global warming, but will definitely give you a better understanding of something that is important to YOU or someone in your life. This understanding can lead you (and possibly others) to make better decisions. These decisions can be related to health (how to snack more healthfully), academics (how to study more effectively), performance in sports (how to score more points in a soccer game), and even performance in video games (so that you have more time to do your homework, of course)!
If you find that none of the testable questions you have developed (so far) have any meaning or purpose (to you), don't be afraid to start from scratch. Just make sure to start with a topic that is interesting and/or meaningful to YOU.
Will YOU be the next Louis Pasteur?!
In-Class Assignment
Answer the questions below in your science notebook. Write the question and answer in COMPLETE sentences.
1. How did Louis Pasteur's experiment change/shape our world?
2. Pick the testable question (among those you have written) that means the most to you. What is the purpose of this testable question?
3. WHO could benefit from the information you gather through your scientific investigation?
4. HOW might those individuals benefit from the information you gather through your scientific investigation?
5. What materials will you need to conduct the experiment (include people, place, and things)?
6. Identify the variables in your experiment:
IV: __________________________________________________________
DV: _________________________________________________________
C: __________________________________________________________
CG: _________________________________________________________
7. What materials will you need to measure your dependent variable?
8. What might be difficult about conducting your experiment/collecting data?
Answer the questions below in your science notebook. Write the question and answer in COMPLETE sentences.
1. How did Louis Pasteur's experiment change/shape our world?
2. Pick the testable question (among those you have written) that means the most to you. What is the purpose of this testable question?
3. WHO could benefit from the information you gather through your scientific investigation?
4. HOW might those individuals benefit from the information you gather through your scientific investigation?
5. What materials will you need to conduct the experiment (include people, place, and things)?
6. Identify the variables in your experiment:
IV: __________________________________________________________
DV: _________________________________________________________
C: __________________________________________________________
CG: _________________________________________________________
7. What materials will you need to measure your dependent variable?
8. What might be difficult about conducting your experiment/collecting data?
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