Observation and Observation and InferenceInference

ObservationObservation An Observation is something An Observation is something that is measurable or that is measurable or perceived by the senses.perceived by the senses.

Two Types Two Types Qualitative Qualitative – Observations – Observations perceived by the senses.perceived by the senses.

ex. Birds Chirping, Smell ex. Birds Chirping, Smell cookies, cookies,

Quantitative Quantitative – Observations that – Observations that are measured.are measured.

ex. Mass, Volumeex. Mass, Volume

Temperature ?Temperature ?

InferenceInference Inferences are opinions that are Inferences are opinions that are based on observations. based on observations.

An inference explains what you An inference explains what you observed.observed.

ex. If we see a dog’s lip raised, ex. If we see a dog’s lip raised,

we infer the dog is angry.we infer the dog is angry.

On the first warm day in March, Jennifer takes out her bicycle, which she has not ridden all winter. She finds it very difficult to pedal. She also is not able to ride as fast as she used to, even though the wind was behind her.1.Jennifer observes that

a. she is out of shapeb. the bicycle needs oilc. she is traveling unusually slowd. she needs to ride more often2.One possible inference Jennifer can make is thata. the wind is behind herb. she finds it difficult to pedalc. she cannot go as fast as she used tod. she is out of shape

Scientific Scientific MethodMethod

A series of steps that are used A series of steps that are used to investigate the questions we to investigate the questions we have.have.

SIX STEPSSIX STEPS

1. Identify the Problem 1. Identify the Problem ––

- Ask a Question:- Ask a Question:

What? Why? How?What? Why? How?

2. 2. Gather InformationGather Information::

- Make Observations- Make Observations

- Take Notes – write down the facts- Take Notes – write down the facts

- Draw Pictures, Diagrams, Maps- Draw Pictures, Diagrams, Maps

- Research what others have done before- Research what others have done before

3. 3. Form HypothesisForm Hypothesis

- Use your inference ability to form an - Use your inference ability to form an educated guess that answers your educated guess that answers your question.question.

- Based on the knowledge you already - Based on the knowledge you already have.have.

4. 4. Perform ExperimentPerform Experiment- A test where conditions are - A test where conditions are changed.changed.

Control – Control – Conditions DO NOT changeConditions DO NOT change

Manipulated Variables – Manipulated Variables – Conditions Conditions that changethat change

(Independent)(Independent)

Dependent Variable – Dependent Variable – It depends on the It depends on the independent.independent.

5. 5. Analyze Data:Analyze Data:

- Record results from experiment.- Record results from experiment.

- Record all trials- Record all trials

- Graph results to make - Graph results to make visual/mathematic visual/mathematic comparisionscomparisions

6. 6. Form Conclusion:Form Conclusion:

- Explains whether or not your - Explains whether or not your hypothesis was correct or not. hypothesis was correct or not. What changes could be made.What changes could be made.