1. Make as many observations as you can.

2. Infer what happened based on your observations.

3. Scientific Methods

4. Observation vs. Inference
Observation -- information collected with the senses.
FACTS!
Inference -- conclusion or judgment based on observations
May be biased

5. Scientific Methods -- ways of thinking that involve testing
Steps:
An Observation makes you curious so you do preliminary research
2. Develop a Research Question
3. Make a hypothesis – a testable prediction

6. 4. Test hypothesis -- make observations
by experiment or collecting evidence
(experimental vs. observational science)
5. Analyze data – use graphs
Draw a conclusion – make inferences
-- Was hypothesis supported?
7. Repeat and share – make a new hypothesis if needed

7. After many, many tests a hypothesis may become a theory.
Theory – well-tested and widely accepted explanation for a set of observations

9. Source of graphic: http://bob.nap.edu/html/evolution98/evol6-e.html