Intro Objective: 5 September 2012 Explain the steps of the scientific method. What is the difference between observations and inferences?

OBSERVATIONS, INFERENCES & HYPOTHESES

1. Recognize the Problem  Observation  Receiving knowledge of the outside world using our senses  Sight  Sound  Taste  Touch  Smell

 Observations (cont.)  Facts  Can be repeated by others  Example: I can observe that this is a picture of Ms. Foltin  You can observe the exact same thing!

Observation Practice  You will get one minute to look at and study the following picture. Then you will be asked questions about it. Make good observations!  Ready?

Observations  What color is the pick-up truck?  How many cars are parked on the left side of the street?  What is the speed limit?  What did the turquoise sign say?  What type of vehicle is driving TOWARDS the camera?  What type of line is in the street?  How many yellow sticks are near the sidewalk?

 What color is the pick-up truck?  How many cars are parked on the left side of the street?  What is the speed limit?  What did the turquoise sign say?  What type of vehicle is driving TOWARDS the camera?  What type of line is in the street?  How many yellow sticks are near the sidewalk?

 Inference  Logical interpretation based on prior knowledge and observations  An idea you get from your observations

 Inferences (cont.)  Recording of IDEAS or OPINIONS  Unique to each person  For instance, I can say that this picture is beautiful…  But you may say that it’s REALLY beautiful!

 Laboratory  Very important to make neutral, factual observations  Using those facts, scientists can make inferences

Observations  We just made some observations with our EYES, but is that the ONLY way to observe? Is it the most accurate? Can you believe EVERYTHING your eyes see? Let’s find out…

2. Form a Hypothesis  Hypothesis  Educated guess  Predict the answer to your question  Has to be tested  Use an “If…then…” statement  Question: What would happen if I ate chocolate?  Hypothesis: If I eat chocolate then my face will turn blue.

Summary  Observations use our senses to gather knowledge. Those facts help us form an idea, which is an inference. We cannot always trust our eyes, so it’s important to use our other senses. The next step is creating a hypothesis, which is a statement that can be tested.

Objective: 5 September 2012 Outro Explain the steps of the scientific method. When in your life can you use the scientific method?