OBSERVATION & INFERENCE How can I use my senses & mind to gather data & make predictions?
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Transcript of OBSERVATION & INFERENCE How can I use my senses & mind to gather data & make predictions?
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
INQUIR
Y/SCIE
NTIFIC
METHOD
HO
W T
O F
OR
MA
T A
LA
B R
EP
OR
T
#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 DESIGNLet’s define each of these:
Independent Variable
Control Group Experimental Group
Dependent Variable Control/Constant Variables 1.
2.
3.
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 CONTINUED1. 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 …