1. Warm- Up What is an observation? What is an inference?
Students should come to the conclusion that observations are based on facts, while inferences are logical conclusions based on prior knowledge or experiences

2. Observation and Inference Data
Photo Letter
Three observations
Inference and Why A 1. 2. 3. B C D

3. A

4. B

5. C

6. D

7. C-Notes: Scientific Method
Stnd: IE 1f
8/20/2013
Objective:
Students will be able to identify the different elements of scientific inquiry.

8. What are the steps to the “Scientific Method”?
Observation  State the Problem
Research (Collecting Info)
Form a Hypothesis
Experiment (Testing hypothesis  I.V & D.V & Control)
Collect Data (Analyzing)
Evaluating Results (Conclusion)
Retest (Repetition)
What are the steps to the “Scientific Method”?
Science is a Cycle. The steps are shown in a certain order, but the cycle does not begin or end at any one point, and the steps may take place in various orders.

9. What is an “Observation” ?
Gathered through your senses
A scientist notices/make observations and examine prior research
Ex: An example of an observation might be noticing that many salamanders near a pond have curved, not straight, tails

10. Scientists ask questions and try to explain an observation or suggest a solution to the problem.
Must be testable
Statements Predicts an outcome
Ex: An example of a hypothesis might be that the salamanders have curved tails due to a pollutant in the moist soil where they live.
What is a “Hypothesis” ?

11. What is an “Experiment” ?
A procedure that Scientists use to collect data to support or reject their hypothesis.
In an Experiment there are:
Variables- factor in the experiment that is being tested
A good or “valid” experiment will only have ONE variable!
Control- Factor that does not change

12. What is a “Independent Variable”?
-Factors that are manipulated, or changed, by the scientist.
- Factors that changes in D.V “depends upon” the manipulation of the I.V. this is the experimental data.
What is a “Independent Variable”?
What is a
“Dependent Variable”?

13. “Control Variable” aka “constant” ?
What is a
“Control Variable” aka “constant” ?
purpose of a “Control”?
-The conditions that do NOT change during an experiment. It stays constant so that it will not effect the outcome of the experiment.
are used for COMPARISON

14. Example of Controls & Variables
For example, suppose you want to figure out the fastest route to walk home from school.
You will try several different routes and time how long it takes you to get home by each one.
Since you are only interested in finding a route that is fastest for you, you will do the walking yourself.

15. What are the Variables in Your Experiment?
Varying (changing) the route is the independent variable
The time it takes is the dependent variable
Keeping the same walker throughout makes the walker a control variable.

16. One more thing… it is best to make several trials with each independent variable.

17. What makes an experiment “Valid”?
Two groups are required:
the control group
experimental groups
There should be only one variable

18. What is “Data”?
Results of the experiment
May be quantitative (numbers) or qualitative
Must be organized
Can be organized into charts, tables, or graphs

19. What is a “Conclusion”?
Why should you “retest”?
The answer to the hypothesis based on the data obtained from the experiment
In order to verify the results, experiments must be retested.

20. Review S CI E N C

21. Solving a Problem 1)Identify a Problem
2) State Observations about the problem
3) Form a Hypothesis about the problem (if…then…)
4) Design an Experiment to test the hypothesis
5) Collect Data
6) Form a Conclusion
7) Retest

22. Exit Slip 1. Make three observations about this room (1 point)
2. Using these observations, make an inference about this room, or a person within it (1 point)
3. In your own words, give your best definition of (2 points)
Observation
Inference