Obs, Inf & Sci Method (Earth)

The Scientific Method

​Goal: Solve a problem or better understand something An organized plan for gathering, organizing and communication of information

We'll look at each one.

​

​Steps to the Scientific Method

​Observations & Inferences

Open Ended

What is the difference between an observation and an inference?

Make observations.


Make inferences.

​

Multiple Choice

In science, which of the following requires you to make observations?

• During research

• When recording data

• When drawing conclusions

Multiple Choice

When a meteorologist makes a weather forecast he is making an

• observation

• inference

Why make observations?

*Gives you an idea of what to test.
*Also helps gather data.

    Types of Data

     -quantitative: numerical values (measurements)

     -qualitative: describes using 5 senses (qualities); not numerical

Using Inferences to Draw Conclusions​

*Analyzing results is an important part of an experiment.  

 1. Make a graph if your data is quantitative

      Types: Line, Bar, Pie, Scatter plot

                          or

     Use pictures or video to display qualitative results for comparison

  2. Then interpret what you have shown.

IMPORTANT Not all experiments work and some only work 1 time. 

 3. Repeated trials play a huge part in validation of results.

Open Ended

In your own words (don't copy your notes!) what is the difference between a theory and a law?

Match

Match the graph with the graph name.

Bar Graph

Line Graph

Pie Chart

• Bar Graph

• Line Graph

• Pie Chart

Multiple Choice

What conclusion can be drawn from the line graph showing the effects of Nitrogen (N) on the amount of canola leaf growth?

• Nitrogen has no effect on plant growth

• Too much Nitrogen kills plants after 12 weeks.

• The more Nitrogen used the more plant growth.

Drag and Drop

If the toothbrush is set at a far distance from the toilet, the toothbrush will not be splashed by toilet water.

In this experiment, the distance from the toilet is the ​

Placeholder

variable and toilet water splash is the ​

Placeholder

variable.

Drag these tiles and drop them in the correct blank above

independent

dependent

Open Ended

Water droplet shoot up in the air when toilets are flushed. Make a connection between the toothbrush/toilet experiment and spending time in public bathrooms.