Scientific Investigation

Give 2 example where we would use scientific

investigation in the real world?

A test of your observation skills…

Observations & Inferences

ObservationsObservationsWrite 2 examples from this classroom: 1.2. Use one or more of the 5 senses to gather

information

FACTS!!!...note and record

In science, observations should never be emotional.

InferencesInferencesList 2 inferences in the classroom1.2.

Logical interpretation based upon prior knowledge and experience

Based upon observations

Note the Differences

• In laboratory exercises, record observations NOT inferences

• Inferences may be used when writing the conclusion in your lab report

Let’s test your observation skills…

Take a good look at this picture

Question 1

What's the speed limit?

Question 2

Are there any pedestrians on the road?

Question 3

What color is the pickup truck driving in the road?

Answers

1. Speed Limit 35

2. No Pedestrians

3. Truck is blue

1. There is a representation of a face on one side of the coin.

2. The Latin word "Dei" means "God."

3. The coin was made by deeply religious people.

4. The date 1722 is printed on one side of the coin.

5. The coin was made in 1722.

Do Now

What is an observation you can’t “see” (check your notes on observations)

Find 3 Differences..

Find 3 Differences..

Does the square have curved sides?

Where are those dots coming from?!

Your Your brainbrain!!

These circles are not moving, your brain is making them appear to move. Try focusing

on one circle. It will stop moving.

Are these dots moving?

What is a Hypothesis?

Possible explanation for an observation or scientific problem that can be tested

Can you test those?

Think of some examples…

How to write a Hypothesis How does this sound?

Bacterial growth may be affected by temperature.

How can you test that?

If temperature is increased then bacterial growth will increase

If….then Write this question so that it is testable:

Does spending more time on Homework increase your chances of getting an ‘A’ in Biology?

If I spend 1 hour each night doing homework then I will get an “A” in biology.

If…then

If winds reach over 74 MPH then a storm is considered a hurricane.

Pompton Lakes, NJ Hurricane Irene? Tropical Storm Irene?

Data Arnoldii Rafflesia- Largest flower in the world

Qualitative •Red •Spots •Smells like rotting meat •Fleshy texture

Quantitative •1 meter or about 3 feet •9 kg or 20 lbs •Flowering lasts for 5-7 days

Qualitative Quantitative Data

Qualitative → Quality

•Deals with descriptions.•Data can be observed but not measured.•Colors, textures, smells, tastes, appearance, beauty, etc.

Quantitative → Quantity

•Deals with numbers.•Data which can be measured.•Length, height, area, weight, speed, time, temperature, cost, members, ages, etc.

Presenting Data Table vs. Graph

Why do you think information is often presented in graphs instead of just in a list or table?

What are some kinds of graphs?

• Bar graph • Line graph • Pie chart

Visual representations to display a relationship not apparent in data tables

Bar Graph

What’s your favorite TV show?

When would you use a bar graph?

- Categories - Changes over time

What is the best way to present this data?

’04 1

’05 5.5

’06 12

’07 50

’08 100

’09 300

‘10 550

‘11 700

Number of Facebook users in Millions

Line Graph

Line Graphs

Which should you use more in science?

Where do we see line graphs?

Data

Energy in New Jersey 51% Nuclear

33% Natural Gas

14% Coal

2% Renewable ( Solar/Wind/ Hydroelectric)

1% Oil

Pie Chart

How to represent this data?