http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry2CS4vHlCQ

Scientific Theory: something that has been observed so many times that scientists are convinced that it will always happen. - Ex. Theory of Gravity

A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world that is acquired through the scientific method and repeatedly tested and confirmed through observation and experimentation.

Variables: factors that may affect the outcome of an investigation. During an investigation only ONE variable is changed to study the effects.

 ◦Independent (manipulated) variable:

factor that you change or manipulate during an experiment.

 ◦Dependent (responding) variable: factor

(condition) that changes because of your experiment. 

◦Controlled variable: a factor kept constant to keep your experiment fair.

◦Control Group – a group that is not exposed to any experimental treatment

Students of different ages were given the same jigsaw puzzle to put

together. They were timed to see how long it took to finish the puzzle.

The independent variable is…

The dependant variable is…

The controlled variable is…

The higher the temperature of water, the faster an egg will boil.

What methods would we use to test this statement?

◦What is the independent variable?

◦What is the dependant variable?

◦What is the controlled variable?

Observation: When you observe, you become aware of something using one of your senses. In an observation you simply describe something as it appears. An observation is a statement describing a fact.

Qualitative Observations: ones where we describe something using words, adjectives.

Quantitative (quantity) observations: ones where we describe something using numbers, measurements.

Make 5 observations about our classroom.

Inferences are judgments made based on observations – they cannot be directly observed. They require thought.

Example: If you get up in the morning, look up at the sky and observe dark clouds and observe puddles on the ground, you might infer that it has recently rained. ◦ Note: you did not see rain; you decided that it rained

based on your observations. An inference is a statement based on your interpretation of the facts.

Make 3 inferences about this classroom.

Observation Inference

That plant is extremely wilted.

The car stopped running

The Blue Jays are leading their division

That plant is extremely wilted due to a lack of water.

The car stopped running because it was out of gas.

The Blue Jays are leading there division because they are playing well right now.

Complete the worksheets:◦Spongebob Variables