What it Science? EQ: What skills do scientist use to learn about the world?

I) Thinking Like a Scientist

Observation, Inference, & Predicting

Observation, Inference, & Predicting Science – a way of learning about the natural world. As scientists seek to understand the natural world, they use skills such as observing, inferring, and predicting.

An observation is what you know because your senses tell you so. "I see...," "I feel...," "I smell...," "I hear...," Words make observations clear. An inference is a good guess It's nothing more and nothing less. "I think...," "It might...," and "probably..." Shows it's an inference, you see. Remember what I'm telling you. An observation you know is true. An inference you can't be sure. It's a good guess, nothing more.

A) Observing

Observing- is using one or more of your senses to gather information about the world a) sight b) taste c) touch e) smell d) sound

1) Observations should be… a) accurate b) objective “Just the facts!”

The eggs are white. There are seven eggs.

B)Inference 1) made from observations 2) may be incorrect There’s an empty aquarium tank in the classroom. observation The tank is 50 cm long, 30 cm wide and 18 cm deep. observation inference The tank used to contain live fish. inference The tank is waterproof.

3) Inferring a) explaining or interpreting an observation b) may be reasonable or unreasonable

Observation: reasonable unreasonable

Observation or Inference?

Observation or Inference?

Observation or Inference? He is holding two fish.

C) Predicting *1) makes an inference about the FUTURE based on current evidence or past experience. * 2 ) May be false

D) Classifying * 1) grouping together items that are alike in some way

E) Making Models 1) Model- a picture, diagram, or other representation of a complex object or process * helps people understand things that they cannot observe directly

The Scientific Method “Scientific Inquiry” A.) A way in which science seeks to answer questions. B.) A systematic approach to problem-solving and what distinguishes it from other fields of study. C.) Based on observation, predictions, and conclusions.

1) State the Problem “Posing Questions” Must be in the form of a question “What do you want to learn/know” Why is Moby’s plant dying Who killed Moby’s plant How did Moby’s plant die When did Moby’s plant die What caused Moby’s plant to die Where did Moby’s plant die

Gather Information “Research” FIGURE OUT WHAT INFORMATION IS NECESSARY TO USE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM…GET THAT INFORMATION. Review the clues. Organize the clues in order at which they occur. Start one problem at a time.

2) “Develop a Hypothesis” An Educated Guess, a proposed solution to a problem A Prediction May be right or wrong Shows cause and effect (If…..,then…..) If the plants Then, the reason can be discovered by the clues given. Hypothesis: Fig plants do best if only watered once a week

3) “Designing an Experiment”: Test the hypothesis – do the experiment! A) Controlled experiment – a test of a hypothesis under conditions established by the scientist. a scientists determines how one variable affects the outcome of another. Variable – is one of the factors that can change in an experiment. Manipulated variable (independent variable) – the variable that a scientist changes Responding (dependent variable) the variable that changes because of the manipulated variable.

4) Observation: Collect and Interpret Data Observations – any use of the senses to gather information. Includes sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste. Also, includes measurements. Review the material to determine if the murderer can be easily identified Organize information given Go through the steps of the SCIENTIFIC METHOD.

4a) Collect and Interpret Data Analyze the results – make charts, graphs and tables. Organize information to that it’s easier to understand. Inference – an attempt at an explanation based on observations. Notes taken to tell when each part of the problem is solved (i.e. WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY & HOW)

5) Inference: *Interpret the data based on your observations

6) Conclusion: “Was your hypothesis correct?” True  False (Rethink Hypothesis) Determine WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY AND HOW

6) Conclusion: “Was your hypothesis correct?” Based on what you have found out, what happened in the experiment. Determine WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY AND HOW

Scientific Method Poster Project

Scientific Inquiry Conclusion Question Hypothesis Experiment Observation Inference Conclusion Present what you learned Collect data Interpret the data Materials Educated guess Purpose Scientific Inquiry