AshleyM

=__**Ashley's Physics Page **__=

__Reflections __
cools until it solidifies. To do this the paraffin is heated, and the thermometer is inserted into it. Then as it cools, the temperature is recorded. The phase change for paraffin from liquid to a solid is quicker, and therefore, is an asset in time management. ||
 * ==**Calorimetry Lab; October 27, 2009** == ||
 * The heat of fusion of paraffin is measured by heating paraffin until it melts, or letting it cool until it solidifies. The opposite process would be to let the paraffin


 * ==**Harmonic Motion Lab** (Mass and Spring Clock)**; September 15, 2009** == ||
 * The process of designing and testing a clock is similar to the scientific method in that while we were making the clock, we were testing different ways to construct the clock. At the same time, we were collecting data for what does and does not work. Through just constructing it, we completed two parts of the scientific method: experimenting and collecting data. Though we did these two steps at the beginning, we also completed these steps again later on in the lab. When an accurate mass was found we collected more data about the time it took 1830 kg to bounce 60 times, and while testing that, we repeated the step. We also made predictions about the mass after a few different masses were tried, and that formed our hypothesis, of how mass affects frequency, in the end. So from making a clock we did the experiment, collected data, analyzed that data, made predictions and formed a hypothesis, and then collected more data.

It differed in that while talking about the scientific method in class we had not discussed using the term 'cycle' in place of 'method' yet, and so the discussion in class formed a consensus that the scientific method is done in one way. But our process what out of order, but we still incorporated all the elements of the scientific method in the end. However, it was the same in that we discussed that the scientific method //can// be out of order.

The steps that were present in our lab were experiment, data, predictions and hypotheses, patterns, and observations. However, we did not include the more dominant steps such as law, theory, and fact. These would not necessarily be included in this lab either way because we did not repeat it, or know enough about the subject to make as such. We also did not include much preconception because none of us really knew much about how mass would affect the frequency. The only preconceptions we would have been exposed to were the ones shown in the demos during the discussion before the lab had been started.

I don't think anything in the activity was not part of the scientific process because everything done relates to, or contributes, to part of the process. Whether or not it is a direct step in the process can be argued, but everything contributes to the final product, or the results.

Mass and Spring Lab Report: http://hartfordphysics.wikispaces.com/Mass+and+Spring+Clock ||

7) **Describe the roles of hypotheses, theories, and predictions in the scientific method.** A hypothesis is to help make laws, theories, and are the base of experiments. Whereas theories explain laws, and are backed by a broader ranger of evidence, and can be argued that they are more important than hypotheses. Predictions are to help make hypotheses. They are what is thought to happen after the data is collected. 8) **Describe the difference between an observation and an experiment.** An observation is an action or happening that you see, and can happen in an experiment. An experiment can have observations made from it, but can also be based off of previous observations. 9) **Why might the term //scientific cycle// be a good substitute for //scientific method//?** Scientific cycle is a better than than scientific method because when you get the results of the experiment, it can change the observations. Which in turn changest the hypothesis, and can then change the experiment. And so it is more of a cycle because if anything is altered, it can change how your process is completed, and can also make the process come full circle. ||
 * ==**Review Questions; August 31, 2009** == ||
 * 6) **Describe the steps of the scientific method.** The scientific method incorporates collecting data and from these observations, patterns are found. From this, you form a hypothesis from analyzing the collected data, and a prediction is also made. Then an experiment is formed to test the hypothesis, and to also tells whether or not the prediction made about how the experiment is correct or incorrect. In knowing whether or not the original hypothesis was correct or incorrect, new hypotheses and predictions can be made, and the cycle can start over again.


 * ==**Scientific Method; August 28, 2009 ** == ||
 * The scientific method, in the views of this author, is a way to observe the world around us to find patterns and regularities in nature. After seeing something many times we make a summary; and therefore, we make generalizations, such as when we drop something, it falls. Mathematics is the language of science, and is commonly used to describe things and situations so that they are easier for others to understand. Because mathematics is always the same no matter where you are, using mathematics to describe something can be beneficial to many people.It also allows peole to relay their results in a smaller fashion. The facts, according to the author, are in the most important category in the scientific method. Following the facts is the hypothesis, or the educated guess; the laws, a more refined scientific statement; and theory, a well-substantiated explanitory description of the world based on a large number of independently verified observational and experimental tests. Those, being the four categories of the scientific method, are the most important. Making predictions and testing those predictions using experiments is used to test hypotheses, laws, and theories. Even with laws and theories can be changed based on new observations. Scientists have premade thoughts about whether or not their hypotheses are right, even before they start their experiments; and they must be ready to have their thoughts not be right. The scientific method can be started at any point, and doesn't have to be started in a certain part of the 'cycle' because eventually it comes full circle. The observations and results of experiments must be published in a way that they are accessable to anyone that wants to verify the results. A 'final answer' does not exist in science; and it is a search that never ends. The scientific world is always producing more detail about more areas of the physical world, and these details allow us to predicts more behavior wil higher levels of confidence. ||


 * ==A New Wikipage; August 28, 2009 == ||
 * Online tools, such as Wikispaces, have great value for being a student. Using the knowledge of others can be a great resource for projects and assignments. Myself, I use Wikipedia for a large amount of research. I also use a blog to keep up with journaling and keep up with friend's going ons when I can't talk to them. My internet acess outside of school is unlimited, unless the bill isn't paid. Wikispaces is going to be a valuable tools because of the amount of information available. Not only are there assignments, and schedules, there are also links to helpful websites, my peer's work to help with my own, and it gives the ability to communicate in other ways with them. ||

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