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Why do we “DO” science? What did we “DO” before we had science?

At first, the answers involved tales of magic or legends. Today, humans explore the natural world using a scientific approach.

The early myths and legends answered the questions that primitive thinkers had… What are the lights in the night sky? Where did plants and animals come from? How did I come to be?

The practice of asking and answering questions led to better questions and better answers. These questions and answers are based on…

Get your brain going…. A family of four and their dog are trapped on an island, when rising floodwaters tear out the bridge that they had used just a few hours earlier. When they had just given up hope the son says, "I've found a small boat and oars." But their joy was short-lived. The manufacturer's instructions printed on the boat stern say that the boat can carry only 180 pounds. The dog is the only one who can swim. The father weighs 170. The mother says she weighs 130 but it's more like 155. The son is 90 pounds, the daughter is 80, and the dog is 15.

The collection of information is based on… Observation & Inference

What does that mean? The goal of science is to: Investigate and understand nature; Explain events in nature; Use those explanations to make predictions.

Features of science: Science deals with the the natural world. Scientists collect and organize information in a careful, orderly way, looking for patterns and connections between events. Scientists propose explanations that can be tested by examining evidence.

Evidence Based on Observation Science starts with observation. Observation involves using one or more of the senses: Sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste The information gathered from observations is called evidence or data.

Two Types of Observations Quantitative Qualitative

What do you observe? Describe at least four observations from the photo. Are your observations quantitative or qualitative?

Quantitative Observations Involve numbers Counting objects Measuring Length Mass Volume Temperature

Qualitative Observations Involve characteristics that describe the object’s qualities Color Texture Shape Smell

As scientists make observations, they try to be objective and avoid bias. Bias is a preference for a particular point of view and may interfere with the outcome of the investigation.

Interpreting the Evidence The goal in science is to understand an observed event or activity. Scientists use observations to create an inference.

An inference is a logical interpretation based on prior knowledge and experience (observation). An inference is not backed by concrete evidence. If water samples are collected from different parts of a reservoir and they are all clean enough to drink, scientists may infer that all the water in the reservoir is safe to drink.

In Summary: Observations are any information collected with the senses. Quantitative – can be measured or counted o3 meters long o4 marbles o50 kilograms o35 degrees Celsius Qualitative – can be described with words ored flowers osmells like fresh baked cookies otastes bitter

Inferences are conclusions or deductions based on observations. Practice: These are your observations: You hear people screaming You smell cotton candy, popcorn, and hamburgers You see a lot of people What can you infer?

You are at the Fair!

Look at these two sets of aLook at these two sets of animal tracks. tracks. List 3 OBSERVATIONS Make an INFERENCE

Now what do you think? Make 3 OBSERVATIONS Make an INFERENCE

Now what do you think? Make 3 OBSERVATIONS Make an INFERENCE

Any Questions?