How is science supported by evidence? Popcorn inquiry activity
Science is supported with empirical evidence Empirical evidence is evidence that is collected from direct experiments or observations. Personal feelings and opinions are NOT empirical evidence. Anecdotes and stories from others are NOT empirical evidence. Scientists in many different fields and backgrounds gather evidence through DIRECT observation or experimentation. Usually in the form of DATA – quantitative– but can be qualitative.
Strong evidence is: Logical Based on facts Can be observed Can be reproduced …empirical evidence is all of the above because it comes directly from the scientist’s observations/measurements.
When humans have a question about the way the world works… A scientist will try to answer that question, either by making observations in the field or in a lab. In the field: the scientist simply records observations In the lab: the scientist can conduct a controlled experiment Discuss: How do we know the temperature at which water boils?
Collecting Empirical evidence: popcorn Inquiry Activity: How does popcorn pop? Discuss: How would a scientist investigate how popcorn POPS? This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA
Collecting Empirical evidence: popcorn Step 1: Make Observations Write down everything that is observed between the two kernels of popcorn and what you have observed in the past about popcorn and when it popped; when have you witnessed popcorn popping? ONLY FACTS, NOT OPINIONS … for example, “it smells good” is an opinion, not a fact.
Collecting Empirical evidence: popcorn Step 2: Possible Explanation: Write an explanation for why popcorns pops. Try to come up with the best possible explanation for the popped kernel based on your observations.
Collecting Empirical evidence: popcorn Step 3: The Logic: Write down other evidence that supports your explanation. Is your explanation consistent with all other evidence you have seen?
Collecting Empirical evidence: popcorn Step 4: The Tests: List some other ways to test your explanation. Think of other tests you could do that would support this explanation.
Collecting Empirical evidence: popcorn Step 5: Conclusion: Evaluate your explanation by listing any inconsistencies. Is it supported by strong evidence? Could other scientists replicate your tests and observations?
Step 1: Make Observations: Step 2: Possible Explanation: The popped popcorn is larger than the unpopped. The popcorn kernel pops when heated up in the microwave. Step 2: Possible Explanation: When a popcorn kernel is heated, the water inside it expands and causes the popcorn to burst open. Step 3: The Logic: Water expands when heated. Whenever the popcorn is heated, even on the store or campfire, it will pop. Step 4: The Tests: I could test the popping of popcorn when heated by heating it over different heat sources and measure the temperature before, during, and after it pops. Step 5: Conclusion: I can’t think of any inconsistencies with my explanation. Why don’t ALL the kernels pop when microwaved; why are there kernels unpopped sometimes?
Graphic Organizer: Which of the following are examples of empirical evidence? Hot air balloons rise when heat is added to the balloon. Hot air balloons require a source of heat to fly. I’ve never been in a hot air balloon. Hot air balloons are colorful and make the sky look pretty. I think hot air balloons float because they are filled with helium. Hot air rises because it is less dense. Cold air sinks because it is more dense. Molecules move faster, and therefore further away from each other, when they are heated. You need a pilot’s license to fly a hot air balloon.
Claim: An unknown rock is identified as a diamond Empirical Evidence #1: Empirical Evidence #2: Empirical Evidence #3:
Claim: Hot air Balloons Rise Because Hot air is less dense than Cold air. Empirical Evidence #1: Empirical Evidence #2: Empirical Evidence #3:
Claim: The Earth’s crust is broken into many large pieces known as tectonic plates Empirical Evidence #1: Empirical Evidence #2: Empirical Evidence #3: