Chapter 1 Chemistry in Our Lives

1.3
Scientific Method:
Thinking Like a
Scientist
1.4
A Study Plan for
Learning
Chemistry Copyright © 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc.
Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

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Scientific Method

The scientific method

is the process used
by scientists to
explain observations
in nature.

Copyright © 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

2
Scientific Method

The scientific method involves:

• Making Observations
• Writing a Hypothesis
• Doing Experiments
• Proposing a Theory

Copyright © 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

3
Features of the Scientific Method

Observations
• Facts obtained by observing and measuring events in
nature.
Hypothesis
• A statement that explains the observations.
Experiments
• Procedures that test the hypothesis.
Theory
• A model that describes how the observations occur
using experimental results.

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Summary of the Scientific Method

Copyright © 2005 by Pearson Education, Inc.

Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

5
Everyday Scientific Thinking
Observation: The sound from a CD skips when in a CD
player.
Hypothesis 1: The CD player is faulty.
Experiment 1: When I replace the CD with another one,
the sound from this second CD is OK.
Hypothesis 2: The original CD has a defect.
Experiment 2: When I play the CD in another player, the
sound still skips.
Theory: My experimental results indicate the
original CD has a defect.

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Learning Check

The part of scientific thinking indicated in each is

1) observation 2) hypothesis
3) experiment 4) theory

A. A blender does not work when plugged in.

B. The blender motor is broken.
C. The plug has malfunctioned.
D. The blender does not work when plugged into a
different outlet.
E. The blender needs repair.

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Solution

The part of scientific thinking indicated in each is

1) observation 2) hypothesis
3) experiment 4) theory

A. A blender does not work when plugged in. (1)

B. The blender motor is broken. (2)
C. The plug has malfunctioned. (2)
D. The blender does not work when plugged into a
different outlet. (3)
E. The blender needs repair. (4)

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Text Features for Learning

Using the study features in the text will help you

prepare for class and exams
• Learning Goals
Indicate what to learn in each section.
• Sample Problems
Provide step-by-step solutions to problem
solving.
• Guides to Problem Solving
Give visual directions to working out a problem.
.
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Questions and Problems

The question and problems are written to help you

learn and understand the material.
• Questions and Problems
After each section give immediate application
of new ideas.
• Teamwork and Additional Questions
Give more practice in problem solving.
• Answers
Feedback is provided at the end of each
chapter.
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Studying for Chemistry
Activities that can help you successfully learn chemistry:
• Attend class regularly
• Go to your instructor’s office hours
• Form a student study group
• Study and work on problems every day
• Don’t wait until the night before the test to prepare for
an exam

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Active Learning

Your active involvement will help you learn the material

more quickly and with more understanding.
• Obtain an overview from the Looking Ahead topics
• Form a question from the section title
• Read the section and answer your question
• Work the Sample Problems and Study Checks
• Check Answers at the end of the chapter
• Proceed to the next section in the text and repeat
above

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Learning Check

Which would be part of a successful study plan?

A. Staying out late the night before an exam

B. Reading the text before class
C. Working problems with a group
D. Skipping the lecture one or two times as week
E. Discussing a problem with the instructor

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Solution

Which would be part of a successful study plan?

A. Staying out late the night before an exam (No)

B. Reading the text before class (Yes)
C. Working problems with a group (Yes)
D. Skipping the lecture one or two times as week (No)
E. Discussing a problem with the instructor (Yes)

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