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

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

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

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

INQUIRY/SCIENTIFIC METHOD HOW TO FORMAT A LAB REPORT

#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 _________?

#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 ___________________.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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?

#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

#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

#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 …