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What's always coming but yet never arrives?

What's always coming but yet never arrives?

The Scientific Method

Guiding Questions

• Scientific explanations must meet certain criteria: they should be logical, respect the rules of evidence, be open to criticism, report methods and procedures, and make knowledge public.

• Scientific experiments are conducted after much thought about what may be causing the phenomena in order to isolate important factors. • In order to isolate these factors careful planning, including addressing safety issues, must be taken into consideration before attempting experiments.

• In order to draw a valid conclusion from an experiment, all variables except for that which is being tested must be controlled.

• Measurements communicate not only a magnitude and the system of measurement (unit) but also information about the tool used to make the measurement through precision (significant figures) and uncertainty

Fundamental Properties of Models

A model does not equal reality.

Models are oversimplifications, and are therefore often wrong.

Models become more complicated as they age.

We must understand the underlying assumptions in a model so that we don’t misuse it.

Using the scientific method requires that one be a good observer.

observation inference

involves a judgment or assumption

uses the five senses

The Skeptical Chemist

Robert Boyle

In “The Sceptical Chymist”

Boyle stated that scientific speculation was worthless unless it was supported by experimental evidence.

This principle led to the development of the scientific method.

(1661)

“My mother the eye doctor”

Observation or Inference?

Observations

• Observations: We use our senses to gather information about the world around us. There are two types of observations.

Qualitative

• Qualitative observation: (quality) Usually made with our senses.

• Color, shape, feel, taste, sound.

Examples:

• Olivia is wearing a blue sweater.

• The lab tabletop is smooth.

• The dog’s fur is shiny.

Quantitative

• Quantitative observation: (quantity) How many. Will always have a number.

• Based on exact measurement.

Examples:

• The room is 8 meters across.

• Sarah is 141-cm tall.

• Sam weighs 450 Newtons.

Inferences

• Inference:

• A logical interpretation of an event that is based on observations and prior knowledge.

• What does this mean in 7th grade terms?

Making Inferences

• You are at the counter in the office to get a bus pass signed. You see a student leave the principal’s office crying and upset. We could make an inference as to why the student is upset.

• Could be in trouble (ISS, OSS, expelled)

• Family problems at home (sick, accident)

• Student not feeling well

• Student has poor grades (failing, retention)

Observation VS Inferences

– Observation – Based on the five senses:

• Sight

• Smell

• Touch

• Taste

• Hearing

– Inference – Based on prior knowledge or opinion

Observation vs Inference

• List 3 Observation

• List 3 Inferences

Observation vs Inference

• List 3 Observation and 3 Inferences

Observation vs Inference

• List 3 Observation

• List 3 Inferences

Observation vs Inference

• List 3 Observation

• List 3 Inferences

Observation vs Inference

• List 3 Observation

• List 3 Inferences

Observation vs. Inference

Starring Homer J. Simpson

Observation

Observation: when studying something describe only facts that you can see, touch, smell and hear. You are not making any guesses. THIS IS NOT AN OPINION!!

Ohh… This liquid is green and it is leaking from a brown can. I also smell it.

Inference

Inference: using your observations to make a guess about an object or an outcome

THIS CAN BE A SCIENTIFIC OPINION

Based on my observations, I think that this can is old and is leaking a toxic substance.

Group Practice

• Please Make some observations and inferences about the following picture.

Individual Practice • On your note card, please write down 2 observations and 2 inferences

about the following picture.