In this video, I will be introducing the concept of the scientific method.
Watching this video is one step toward meeting the learning objective of applying basic steps and terminology of the scientific method.
As chemists, we're interested in studying the behavior of atoms and molecules that comprise matter,
so that we can better understand the world we live in.
In other words, we seek to explain what occurs on the macroscopic level using  information about what occurs on the molecular level.
The scientific process often begins by making an observation.
For example, a difference in how a balloon behaves in a cold versus a hot room.
This observation is part of the scientific method,
the iterative process that describes scientific discovery.
There are four interconnected phases as shown in this diagram, that can occur multiple times, and do not follow a linear path.
The observation made about the balloon would be part of the exploration and discovery phase.
This phase can happen at any stage of the scientific inquiry process, not just at the beginning.
A person could have any number of motivations at the start of the scientific inquiry process.
Some examples, shown as inputs here, include a practical problem or a surprising observation.
Testing ideas is an essential component of scientific inquiry.
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation based on a combination of preliminary observations, background knowledge, or logic.
Importantly, a hypothesis can be tested through scientific experiments.
In the case of the balloon, one example hypothesis is if the air temperature around a balloon is decreased,
the volume of the balloon will increase.
Importantly, data generated through experiments cannot prove a hypothesis, but instead can either support or contradict the hypothesis.
The hypothesis can be revised at any stage of the scientific inquiry process
It is important to carefully design one or more experiments to test a given hypothesis.
To test the balloon hypothesis, an experiment could be designed where the temperature in the room is varied and the resulting balloon volume is measured.
In this experiment temperature is classified as the independent variable,
and balloon volume is classified as the dependent variable.
In the data table you will notice a plan to list three independent measurements for each temperature.
These are referred to as replicate measurements and are used to gauge how consistent the findings are across multiple trials of a given experiment.
Any other variables that might impact the outcome of the experiment,
such as the type of balloon used, and the amount of gas initially added to each balloon,
would be held constant and are referred to as control variables.
Scientific inquiry depends on feedback from other researchers who are part of a broader scientific community.
Testing a specific hypothesis and other related hypotheses is part of theory building.
A theory is a broad explanation for a range of scientific phenomena that integrates and generalizes multiple hypotheses.
This generalized explanation is well supported by all observations and data collected to date.
A theory provides an explanation of a particular phenomenon, why it occurs.
On the other hand, a scientific law is an observation of a particular phenomenon, what occurs.
Theories cannot become laws and vice-versa. 
They are mutually exclusive.
One example of a theory in chemistry is atomic theory. This theory is unlikely to change,
though could be modified or updated if contradicted by new evidence.
You may have heard someone say "it's just a theory" before, which implies a guess that's unsubstantiated by evidence.
On the contrary, theories are well supported by data.
The law of conservation of mass is an example of a scientific law.
A scientific law summarizes results of numerous observations in a way that's concise, universally accepted, and has no exceptions.
These are the key differences between scientific laws and theories
Numerous benefits outcomes and products are possible in the scientific inquiry process.
Such outcomes can emerge at any stage of inquiry not just in the final stage.
New technologies, scientific knowledge and policy changes are just some of the possibilities.
These outcomes can go through refinement by further testing or can be reassessed in the exploration and discovery phase
This demonstrates the iterative, cyclic and nonlinear nature of the scientific method.
This video has provided an introduction to the basic steps and terminology of the scientific method.
Thanks for watching.
