What does this word mean to you? Science What does this word mean to you?

Objectives Define Science and Technology Explain the difference between an observation and an inference

What is science? Science is a way or a process used to investigate what is happening around us. Challenges: Some areas of the Earth are more accessible than others. Can’t be observed easily How do we overcome these challenges? We use TECHNOLOGY to help us

Scientists use Technology What is technology? Technology is the application of science to make products or tools that people can use to make life better. Ex: Computer Medical Expertise and Equipment

Science and Technology New discoveries lead to new technology and products. …and new technology sometimes changes scientific beliefs.

Scientists use a variety of skills to solve problems Some common skills: Observations Comparing/contrasting Measuring Inferences

How do we view the world around us?? Sight Sound Smell Taste Touch Theses are our…. 5 Senses

Observations Any information collected with the senses. The skill of describing scientific events. Example: The front board Is white. 5 senses. What is an instrument??

Inference Conclusions based on observations . The process of drawing a conclusion from given evidence. Example: The front board was put here by a custodian.

Tracks like these are common in parts of New England and in the southwestern United States. What do you OBSERVE? What can you INFER?

Now what do you think?

Infer what happened based on your observations. Talk about inferences. When can an inference be as reliable as our best observations?? Infer what happened based on your observations.

Predictions Guesses about future events. Based on past observations or available data. Example: Meteorologists predicting the weather for the next day.

Predictions vs. Inferences Predictions use past observations to forecast what will or could happen in the future Inferences attempt to explain what was observed or is being observed presently.

Let’s go make some observations and inferences outside We will go outside and make 10 more observations and inferences. Please be respectful of the other classrooms. This means being quiet and treating the outdoor ecosystem with respect. What you’ll need: A blank sheet of loose leaf A writing utensil A folder or binder to write on

Do Now You turn on a light switch as you enter a room & the light does not go on. What are the specific steps you will take to figure out why?

Scientific Method Who uses it? What is it?

It is a way to solve problems. Do you have any problems to solve? Any big or any small ones?

Any of these sound familiar? What’s the fastest way home from school? What is the cure for cancer? Which deodorant works the longest?

Not all scientific methods are the same!! Some scientific methods have more steps, or less steps than others.

There are six steps to this Scientific Method. 1. Problem 2. Information 3. Hypothesis 4. Experiment 5. Observations/Data 6. Conclusion

By following these steps in order you will learn about your question. Notice the IN ORDER part.

What is the Problem? *This is the question that you are trying to answer or problem that you are trying to solve. *Try to narrow it down and be very specific. Example: How does temperature affect melting?

Information -What has been proven by scientists gather data about your question. - books magazines reports experts your past experiences

Hypothesis -an educated guess a prediction based on data -what you think the answer is based upon your gathered information

Hypothesis When writing a hypothesis, use an “If / Then” statement. Ex. If the light is plugged in, then the light will turn on.

Experiment This is broken into 2 parts, materials and procedure. Materials is a list of equipment that you will need for the experiment. Procedure is a list of instructions that you need to follow for the experiment.

Observations/Data Collection of information and data from the experiment. It may be charts, graphs, or written work. This is WHAT HAPPENED!!!!!

Conclusion Analyze your findings… WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Did you prove or disprove your hypothesis? It is OK if it turns out that your hypothesis was not correct. You learned!!!!!!!!!

Report your findings One of the most important parts of the scientific method is to report to others your findings. This helps other scientists repeat your experiments and verify your findings.

Solving a Scientific Problem State the Problem Gather Information Hypothesis Perform an Experiment Repeat Several Times Revise Hypothesis Analyze Data Draw Conclusions Hypothesis Not Supported Hypothesis Supported