1. Observing Inferring Predicting Classifying Making Models Communicating
Scientific Skills
Observing
Inferring
Predicting
Classifying
Making Models
Communicating

2. 1. Observing
Using one or more of your senses to gather factual information

3. Observations are either: Quantitative - measures
Example: The total length of the lizard is 21.5 centimeters.

4. or Observations are: Qualitative - describes
Example: The texture of the lizard is rough and bumpy

5. Data – information, evidence, results

6. 2. Inferring Example: Frogs come in many different sizes
A logical explanation of an observation
Example: Frogs come in many different sizes

7. An inference about a future event
3. Predicting
An inference about a future event
Example: The weather forecast for tomorrow is rain all day.

8. 4. Classifying
Grouping together items based on similarities

9. 5.Making Models
A representation of a complex object, process, or cycle; usually too large or too small to observe directly

10. 6. Communicating
Sharing of information, results, ideas with others

11. The Scientific Method Question – your focus point
Hypothesis – what you think will happen
Materials/Procedure – what you’ll need/ how you’ll do it
Results – what happened; data
Conclusion – what you learned; answers your question

12. Put the 5 steps of the Scientific Method in Order:
___ I think that salt water will freeze faster than fresh water.
___ I learned that fresh water will freeze faster than salt water.
___ 2 beakers, ½ liter fresh water, ½ liter salt water, freezer, timer
Put ½ liter of salt water in a beaker and ½ liter fresh water in a beaker
Put both beakers in the freezer side by side
Check and make observations every 15 min. for an hour
Record times and observations
___ Which will freeze faster, salt water or fresh water?
___ Start – both liquid
15 min. - both liquid
30 min.- salt water liquid / fresh water edges slightly frozen
45 min. – salt water liquid / fresh water beginning to freeze
60 min. – salt water liquid / fresh water frozen

13. Scientific Investigation Vocabulary
Hypothesis – a prediction about the outcome of an experiment
Variable – any factor that can change in an experiment
Manipulated variable – the factor that you change
Responding variable – the factor you measure or observe to obtain your results
Operational definition – a statement that describes how a variable is to be measured or how a term is to be defined
Controlled Experiment – an experiment in which all factors except one are kept constant
Scientific Investigation Vocabulary

14. Scientific Skills Quiz
What word can be used for information, evidence, or results?
What system of measurement is used in Science?
What type of observation is the following? The puma is a carnivore.
What type of observation is the following? The capybara is 4 feet long.
What is an inference about a future event?
What is a logical explanation of an observation?
What is it to group things based on similarities?
What is it to share information, ideas, and or results?
What is a representation of a complex object or process?
What is gathering factual information using one or more of your senses?
List the 5 steps of the Scientific Method in order.
What is a variable?
What is a manipulated variable?
What is a responding variable?
What is a controlled experiment?