thinking like a scientist. what are 5 skills scientists use to learn more about the world? observing...
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Thinking Like a
Scientist
Thinking Like a Scientist
What are 5 skills scientists use to learn more about the world?
Observing
Predicting
Classifying Making
Models
Inferring
Observations
• An observation is the gathering of information by using our five senses:
Sight
Observations
• An observation is the gathering of information by using our five senses:
Smell
Observations
• An observation is the gathering of information by using our five senses:
Hearing
Observations
• An observation is the gathering of information by using our five senses:
Taste
Observations
• An observation is the gathering of information by using our five senses:
Touch
Observations
There are two types of observations
Qualitative
Quantitative
Quantitative Observations
• Quantitative observations measure what we observe.
• “Quantitative” = quantity (numerical)
Quantitative Observations
• These observations use numbers to measure something in a quantitative way.
• Example: The flower has seven petals.
• Example: You have 8 new emails.
Qualitative Observations
• Qualitative observations describe what we observe.
• “Qualitative” = quality (descriptive)
Qualitative Observations
• These observations use adjectives to describe something.
• Example: The flower has white petals.
• Example: The lemon tastes sour
Which is better?
• Both types of observations are valuable in science.
• Qualitative: The road is long. (describes)
• Quantitative: The road is 5 km long. (measures)
Which is better?
• Sometimes scientists need to quantify qualitative observations.
• For example, someone might say that a dead fish is smelly.
• It is hard to know just how smelly the fish is though.
Which is better?
• To make this quantitative, the scientist could ask the person to rate the “smelliness” on a scale of 1-5.
• This would then allow you to compare how smelly the fish is!
1 = Least Smelly5 = Most Smelly
Which Dead Fish Smells the Worst?
0
1
2
3
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5
6
Bass Trout Tuna
Type of Fish
Sm
elli
ne
ss
Ra
tin
g
Qualitative or Quantitative?• There are 15 flowers with
white petals
• The email is long
• The surface feels rough
• The leaf is 9 cm long
Qualitative vs Quantitative Observations
Individual Activity
Inferences
• When you explain or interpret the things you observe, you are inferring, or making an inference.
• They are based on reasoning from what you already know
Inferences
• Inferences are often changed when new observations are made.
•Observations are information we gather directly through our five senses….Inferences help explain those observations!
Here are some examples!
• Observation: The grass on the school’s front lawn is wet.
• Possible inferences:It rained.The sprinkler was on.There is dew on the grass
from the morning.A dog urinated on the grass!
Here are some examples!
• Observation: The school fire alarm is going off.
• Possible inferences:
The school is on fire.We are having a fire drill.A student pulled the fire
alarm.
Last one!
• Observation: A student is sitting in the main office.
• Possible inferences:
?Why might a student be
sitting there?
What Inferences can you make about this picture?
What Inferences can you make about this picture?
Observation vs Inference
Individual/Group Activity
Predicting
• Making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on past experience or evidence
Predicting
• Inferences are attempts to explain what is happening or has happened
• Predictions are forecasts of what will happen
Predicting
• What do you think will happen next?
Predicting vs Inferring
Individual/Group Activity(worksheet)
Analyzing Data and Predicting Individual/Group Activity
(page 9 – Math analyzing data)
Classifying• The process of grouping
together items that are alike in some way
Classifying
• Helps you stay organized
• Organizing a notebook by subject and date helps you find things later
Classifying
• Classifying complex behaviors makes it easier to study and compare
Jomeo's Behavior for 12 hours
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1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Resting Feeding Traveling
Type of Behavior
Tim
e S
pen
t (H
ou
rs)
Making Models
• Involves creating representations of complex objects or processes
• Models help people study and understand things that are complex or that can’t be observed directly
Examples of Models• Globes
• Movie sets
• Maps
• Computer models
• Diagrams
• Charts
• Pictures
Making Models
• Models are only representations of a real object or process
• An object or process may be represented by many different types of models
• Some information may be missing from a model
Examples of Models• A model that traces a chimp’s travel
over the course of 1 day
Examples of Models
A Scientific Model
Individual/Group Activity
• Read the information about the two different models of the solar system and answer the 7 questions.
Scientific AttitudesWhat is Science?
• Science is a way of learning about the natural world
• Successful scientists possess certain important attitudes, or habits of mind
Scientific Attitudes
• Curiosity
• Honesty
• Open-Mindedness and Skepticism
• Creativity
Scientific Attitudes
• Curiosity• An important
attitude that drives scientists
• Question
• Explore
• Investigate
Scientific Attitudes
• Honesty• Good Scientists always
report their observations and results truthfully
Scientific Attitudes
• Open-Mindedness and Skepticism
• Scientists need to be open-minded – capable of accepting new and different ideas
Scientific Attitudes
• Open-Mindedness and Skepticism
• Scientists also need to be skeptical – having an attitude of doubt
Scientific Attitudes
• Creativity
• Coming up with inventive ways to solve problems or produce new things