1. OBSERVATION & INFERENCE How can I use my senses & mind to gather data & make predictions?

4. OBSERVATIONS Factual information gathered with the 5 senses Not based on opinion Would not cause argument

5. TYPES OF OBSERVATIONS Qualitative: uses describing adjectives; describes the characteristics of something Quantitative: uses numbers; provides measurements of something

6. INFERENCES Logical assumptions based on observations Can be based on opinion Could be argued, but should not be nonsensical

7. INQUIRY/SCIENTIFIC METHOD HOW TO FORMAT A LAB REPORT

8. #1. SCIENTIFIC QUESTION Can be tested; the subject of the experiment A question that asks about the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable Ends with a question mark Without pronouns (I, me, he, she, etc.) Recommended format: What is the effect of ___________ on _________?

9. #2. HYPOTHESIS The answer to the testable question; a statement that predicts the results of the experiment A statement that predicts the relationship between the independent variable & dependent variable Ends with a period Without pronouns (I, me, he, she, etc.) Suggested format: If ___________________, then ___________________.

10. #3. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Let’s define each of these: Independent Variable Control Group Experimental Group Dependent Variable Control/Constant Variables1. 2. 3.

11. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE The variable the scientist changes, manipulates, or chooses

12. DEPENDENT VARIABLE The variable that responds to the independent variable The variable the scientist measures

13. CONSTANT/CONTROL VARIABLES All the things that scientist keeps the same to make sure the test is fair

14. CONTROL GROUP The group that is given the normal treatment A control group is not always present

15. EXPERIMENTAL GROUP The group(s) that is given the special treatment

16. Experiment: Bug Spray Insect repellant (bug spray) is sprayed on one arm, and the other arm is not sprayed with any bug repellent. The number of bug bites is recorded after 2 hours. Independent variable? Dependent variable? Constant variables? Experimental group? Control group?

17. Experiment: Wheel Size Let’s experiment to see how the size of a skateboard wheel affects the speed of the skateboard. We’ll use different size wheels and measured how fast the skateboard goes. Independent variable? Dependent variable? Constant variables? Experimental group? Control group?

18. #3. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN CONTINUED 1.List of materials required  Organized  Include quantities 2.Numbered, step-by-step directions/procedures  Each step begins with a present tense verb  Without pronouns (I, me, he, she, etc.)  Can be repeated exactly because all steps have been made clear and nothing is skipped

19. #4. RESULTS 1.Organize collected data in a properly labeled data table  Neat, titled, include units 2.Choose an appropriate graph for collected data  Properly labeled graph (title, x, y, key, scale) 3.Analyze the data  Identify trends/correlation (positive, negative, or no relationship) from data obtained in the experiment

20. #5. CONCLUSION (6 SENTENCES) This experiment investigated … The hypothesis stated … According to the data, the hypothesis was … (supported or not supported) I know that the hypothesis was supported/not supported because (use actual #) … Possible causes of error are … The results of this experiment are important because …