1. Common Science Vocabulary

2. Scientific Inquiry
Inquiry – the act of asking for or finding information
Also known as “Scientific Method”

3. Scientific Methods
Sometimes called scientific inquiry, it is the process that scientists use to answer a question or solve a problem.

4. Observation
Using one or more of your senses to gather information

5. Inference
A logical explanation of an observation that is drawn from prior knowledge or experience.
What you
observe
What you
know
Inference!!!

6. Inference happens all the time…
I collected shells. Then I went for a swim in the cool salty water.
What inference can you make about where I was?

7. What inference can you make about how this boy feels about his dinner?

8. Observation??? Inference???
There is snow on
the ground
It is slick
It is cold outside
His drink is
spilling

9. With a partner, make some observations and inferences about this photo…

10. What do you think will happen???
Hypothesis
A possible explanation about an observation that can be tested.
What do you think will happen???

11. What will most likely happen next???
Prediction
A statement of what will happen next in a sequence of events.
What will most likely happen next???

12. Review
Inquiry
Observation
Inference
Hypothesis
Prediction