Observations/ Inferences
True or false: When making an observation, everyone else would be able to make the same observation. When making an inference, people would could have different explanations for the same observation.
True
What units below cannot be used to measure volume:
kg L cm3 mL
kg
Which type of reasoning starts by making specific observations to draw a conclusion.
Inductive Reasoning
What two words should always be in your hypothesis statement.
If....then....
True or False? A good procedure will require multiple trials of testing to be conducted; this allows the data and results to be more reliable.
True
Label the following statements as an observation or inference:
- The candle flame is orange.
- The candle flame is no longer visible.
- The candle burned out because it ran out of wax.
OBSERVATION - The candle flame is orange.
OBSERVATION - The candle flame is no longer visible.
INFERENCE - The candle burned out because it ran out of wax.
A scientist wants to compare the average height of plants grown under red, blue, green, and white light.
Which graph should they use?
Bar graph
Three liquids tested evaporated when heated. Liquids probably evaporate when heated.
Is this inductive or deductive reasoning?
Inductive Reasoning
any factor, trait, or condition that exists in differing amounts or types that can influence the results of an experiment
Variables
What is the Scientific Method?
A step-by-step process used to answer questions
Write an inference for the observation below.
A student has a wet sleeve.
- The student spilled water.
- The student drooled on it.
- The student's sleeve got wet when washing their hands.
Izaiah and Kiegen wanted to see how close they could get to getting a perfect score in a new video game. Are they measuring accuracy or precision?
Accuracy
Substances with a higher temperature have greater average particle motion. Ms. Kubek's mug of coffee has a high temperature. Therefore, its particle have a greater average motion.
Is this inductive or deductive reasoning?
Deductive Reasoning
Jerred made an experiment to see if student grades improved with a shorter school day. What is the dependent variable?
Grades
What is the last step of the scientific method?
If I see a glass filled with a transparent amber liquid and a few drops of liquid on the table and ants drinking from the droplets, what might I infer about the liquid based on the activity of the ants?
the liquid was likely spilled from the glass and is sweet since ants are attracted to it
Anthony is measuring the temperature that water boils at. He runs multiple trials and records the following measurements in degrees Celsius
99.9 100.3 100.1
Are his numbers accurate and/or precise? You must explain.
He is accurate because the numbers are close to the true value temperature water boils at.
He is precise because the numbers are close to each other.
All objects with mass are affected by gravity. A volleyball has mass.
Therefore, ___________________.
Gravity will affect the volleyball
Tiffany made an experiment to test which brand of battery lasts the longest in a flashlight.
Identify the independent, dependent, and control variables.
IV- brand of battery
DV- Time the battery provides power
Control- Same flashlight, same size battery, same light bulb
Erica is obsessed with energy drinks. She read a study that energy drinks causes people to make poorer decision. Erica disagrees with that statements and says if she doesn't have energy drinks then her decisions are worse. What kind of statement did she just make?
Hypothesis
Make one qualitative observation and one quantitative observation about the classroom.
Answers will vary.
Must have both types.
Two students measure the same pencil.
Which statement is correct?
A. Student B recorded the measurement with greater precision.
B. Student A recorded the measurement with greater precision.
C. Both measurements have exactly the same precision.
D. Neither measurement is quantitative.
A. Student B recorded the measurement with greater precision.
Write a conclusion with inductive reasoning for the following example.
7 students who used flashcards scored higher on the test.
Therefore, ____________________.
Flashcards may help students prepare for tests.
Write a hypothesis for the research question:
Does the type of music affect the number of math problems students complete correctly in 5 minutes.
Ex. If students listen to country music instead of heavy metal music, then they will complete more math problems correctly.
Drew thinks his behavior has improved significantly each year. He looks at his behavior charts from the last 2 years and determines he has 30% better behavior now than he did two years ago. What step of the scientific method has he reached?
Analyze Results and Draw a Conclusion