The Scientific Method Lesson 1

Science Expectations

Science Homework

Location: Classkick
Code: RHR X2G
Due: Wednesday
Late: By Friday
Points: 5 total (3 if late)

Science Homework will have the following:
1. Vocabulary - Matching
2. Big Idea - Fill in the blank
3. Reading
4. Free Response Questions

If you finish classwork early you can work on your homework.

Science Classwork

Location: Notebook

Quiz: Wednesday

Points: 5 total

Science Classwork will have the following:
1. Do Now
2. Guided notes/graphic organizers
3. Group Work

If you finish classwork early you can work on your homework.

Hands-On Fridays

You must complete all homework and classwork to participate in lab!!!

Experiments are a privilege! If your homework or classwork is not completed by Friday, you will work on completing it instead of participating in the investigation. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Lesson 1:
The Scientific Method:
Testable Questions

Objectives:

- I can determine the difference between an observation and an inference.
- I can create testable questions using observations and inferences.

Watch the video below. Observe the steps Jamie and Adam take to investigate their problem.

​https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27BBPlnuAaA

Open Ended

What steps did the scientists Jamie and Adam use to investigate their problem?

The Scientific Method is the process scientists use to investigate different problems. The steps can vary depending on the type of investigation.

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Copy the Graphic Organizer

The Scientific Method:

The most common steps of the Scientific Method are:

• Observe and question

• Form a Hypothesis

• Test The Hypothesis

• Analyze the Data

• Form a Conclusion

• Repeat to verify

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The Scientific Method

Scientists start by making observations that lead to inferences, or logical conclusions based on observations and evidence. ​

Example:
Observation: The teacher has an apple.
Inference: The teacher brought an apple for her breakfast.

Observations vs. Inference

Multiple Choice

Is the following an observation or inference:

I hear thunder so it will rain

• Inference

• Observation

• Opinion

Multiple Choice

Is the following an observation or inference:

There are 108 students in UPCA's 5th grade

• Inference

• Observation

• Opinion

Multiple Choice

Is the following an observation or inference:

5th Grade is the best grade at UPCA

• Inference

• Observation

• Opinion

Once scientists have formed a question or an inference they must test it. Not all questions, however are testable. A testable question is a question that can be answered using observations or experimentation.

Testable questions are:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Controlable

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Testable Questions

1. How does gravity work?

   1. Not specific

2. What makes plants grow?

   1. Not measurable

Non-Testable Question

1. Does more weight cause an object to fall faster?

2. What fertilizer makes plants grow more flowers?

Testable Question

Testable vs. Non-Testable

Multiple Choice

How does the sun heat up water?

• Testable

• Non-Testable

Multiple Choice

How do the rockets built at NASA return to Earth after launching into outer space?

• Testable

• Non-Testable

Multiple Choice

Does changing the amount of sunlight effect the growth of tomato plants?

• Testable

• Non-Testable

Exit Ticket

​Answer the following questions in your science notebook:

1. Copy: Date, Scientific Method Exit Ticket

2. Observation or Opinion: The blue bowtie makes the cat cuter.

3. Use 2-3 sentences to explain if the following statement is an observation or an inference: "The plant grew taller because it is getting more sunlight"

4. Create your own testable question based off of the previous statement.