1. Observe, Record, and Analyze Data
Scientific method
Observe, Record, and Analyze Data

2. Qualitative and Quantitative
Observations
Make clear and accurate observations
An observation involves using all 5 senses
Scientists use observations to gather data that will support or disprove their hypothesis.
Two basic types of observations-
Qualitative and Quantitative

3. Quantitative Observations
Observations that involve a number in the form of an amount or measurement.
More precise and accurate
Example:
There are 12 students working in the library.
It takes 13 minutes for vinegar to dissolve color on red M & M.

4. Qualitative Observations
Observations that use non-numerical descriptions.
Using your five senses to make observations.
Example:
Noticing your friends sweater is blue and green.
Students have reusable lunch bags

5. 5 Quantitative Observations 5 Qualitative Observations
For homework, make 5 quantitative and 5 qualitative observations. Observe on bus or walk home, dinner time, activities, etc.. Write them in your yellow packet on the back of page 10.
5 Quantitative Observations
5 Qualitative Observations

6. Inferences Good research goes beyond simple observations.
Scientists explain their observations based on patterns and past experiences.

7. Inferences (con’t)
When you explain or interpret things you observe, you are making an inference.
Inferences are logical explanations based on what you already know.
There may be several logical explanations for an observation.
They may be changed as new information is obtained.

8. Observe, Record, analyze Data
Data- Facts, figures, and other evidence gathered through observations.
Scientific observations need to be recorded in an organized way so data can be analyzed.
Making sense of data is called data interpretation.
Data Table organizes data and makes it easier to read and compare.

9. Record - data table The effect of different amounts of fertilizer on plant height.
Amount of fertilizer (ml)
Height of plant (cm) 2 5 10 17 15
12.5

10. Observe, Record, Analyze Data
Final step in scientific method is to draw conclusions.
Conclusion is summary of what you have learned from an experiment.
Important to consider: did you have enough data? Does data support hypothesis or not? Were there any unexpected or unidentified variables that affected outcome?
Conclusions often lead to new scientific questions and experiments.