Intro

Objective: 5 September 2012

Explain the steps of the scientific method.

What is the difference between observations and inferences?

OBSERVATIONS, INFERENCES & HYPOTHESES

1. Recognize the Problem

Observation Receiving knowledge of the outside world using our senses Sight Sound Taste Touch Smell

Observations (cont.)

Facts Can be repeated

by others Example: I can

observe that this is a picture of Ms. Foltin

You can observe the exact same thing!

Observation Practice

You will get one minute to look at and study the following picture. Then you will be asked questions about it. Make good observations!

Ready?

Observations

What color is the pick-up truck? How many cars are parked on the left side of

the street? What is the speed limit? What did the turquoise sign say? What type of vehicle is driving TOWARDS the

camera? What type of line is in the street? How many yellow sticks are near the

sidewalk?

What color is the pick-up truck? How many cars are parked on the left side of the street? What is the speed limit? What did the turquoise sign say? What type of vehicle is driving TOWARDS the camera? What type of line is in the street? How many yellow sticks are near the sidewalk?

Inference Logical interpretation based on prior knowledge and observations

An idea you get from your observations

Inferences (cont.) Recording of IDEAS or OPINIONS

Unique to each person For instance, I can

say that this picture is beautiful…

But you may say that it’s REALLY beautiful!

Laboratory Very important to make neutral, factual observations

Using those facts, scientists can make inferences

Observations

We just made some observations with our EYES, but is that the ONLY way to observe? Is it the most accurate? Can you believe EVERYTHING your eyes see? Let’s find out…

2. Form a Hypothesis

Hypothesis Educated guess Predict the answer to

your question Has to be tested Use an “If…then…”

statement Question: What would

happen if I ate chocolate?

Hypothesis: If I eat chocolate then my face will turn blue.

Summary

Observations use our senses to gather knowledge. Those facts help us form an idea, which is an inference. We cannot always trust our eyes, so it’s important to use our other senses. The next step is creating a hypothesis, which is a statement that can be tested.

Objective: 5 September 2012

Outro

Explain the steps of the scientific method.

When in your life can you use the scientific method?