Name:______________________________________
Group Members:
1.
2.
3.
Class Period_____
What Is Science?
Background: The goal of science is to investigate and understand nature, to explain events in
nature, and to use those explanations to make useful predictions. Science starts with
observation. An Observation involves using one or more of the senses- sight, hearing, touch,
smell, and sometimes taste- to gather information. Observations can be classified into two
types. QuaNtitative observations involved numbers, for example, counting or measuring
objects. QuaLitative observations involve characteristics that cannot be easily measured or
counted, such as color, smell, or texture.
Activity 1: Evidence Based on Observation
Materials: Paper towel, beaker, water, ruler, stop watch.
Procedure:
1. Add 100 ml of water to a 600 ml beaker.
2. Fold paper towel “the hot dog” way.
3. Make qualitative and quantitative observations before, during, and after the
experiment. Record your “before” observations
4.
5.
6.
7.
on page 2
before you begin the
next step.
Place paper towel in beaker so that the bottom is in the water and the top is leaning
against the glass. Start the stop watch as soon as you place the paper towel in the water
Remove the paper towel after 1 minute.
Immediately measure the furthest point the water traveled up the paper towel in
centimeters (cm). Record results below.
Repeat steps 1-6, and record results below.
Trial #1 Results:
Trial #2 Results:
1
Make qualitative and quantitative observations about the paper towel before and after
*HINT* For quaLitative (characteristics, what it Looks Like)- how does the paper towel feel?
What color is it when it is dry? What shape? Is it thick? Flimsy? What temperature does the
water feel? Does the water move slow or fast? What color is the paper towel when it is wet?
*HINT* For quaNtitative (measurable, MUST have a Number) How many paper towels? How
long is the paper towel? How wide is it? How much water? How many milliliters does the
beaker hold? How many seconds are we experimenting for? How many centimeters does the
water travel?
Qualitative
Quantitative
2
Background: Observation is usually followed with inferences. An inference is possible
explanation to a question based on evidence and experience. An observation alone has little
meaning in science. The goal is to understand what was observed. A good scientist then asks
questions about what they saw going on.
Activity 2: Asking questions
Ask specific questions about your observations from activity 1. Why did these events occur?
How would your observations change if the conditions of the experiment changed?
The factors in an experiment that can change are called variables. Examples of variables include
equipment used, type of material, amount of material, temperature, light, and time.
Think of specific variables in this experiment that you could “mess with” in an experimental
group. What are some variables that you could change? How would this affect the experiment?
Question 1:
Question 2:
Activity 3:
Background: A hypothesis is a specific explanation for a set of observations, or an answer to a
scientific question. In science, a hypothesis is only useful if it can be tested. Hypotheses may
arise from prior knowledge, logical inferences, or imaginative guesses.
Propose answers for the questions you asked in activity 2.
HINT If _____________________, then the water movement would increase/decrease/stay the
same
Hypothesis for question 1:
Hypothesis for question 2:
3
Activity 4:
Background: In science, testing a hypothesis involves designing an experiment. The factors in an
experiment that can change are called variables. A hypothesis should be tested by an
experiment in which only one variable is changed at a time. This is our experimental variable.
All other variable should be left unchanged, or controlled.
Choose one questions to answer. Based on your hypothesis from activity 3, make predictions
on what you think you will observe. Identify your experimental variable and controlled
variables. Test your hypothesis and record all observations in Table 2.
Question:
Hypothesis:
Experimental variable:
Controlled variables:
Activity 5:
Perform your experiment with your experimental group. Follow the SAME exact procedure,
expect for the 1 variable that you changed!!!!! Record any observations below:
Observations:
Qualitative
Quantitative
Experimental Trial Results:
4
Activity 5: Drawing Conclusions:
1. Does your experiment support your hypothesis??
2. What is a qualitative observation?
3. What is a quantitative observation?
4. How many experimental variables should there be in an experiment?
5. What is the purpose of the control group?
5