Observation- using your senses and __________ to determine the characteristics of materials and processes.

Inference- ideas justified with reasonable thinking and evidence (an educated __________)

But if you aren't careful, it can lead to wrong assumptions, superstition and misinformation. How can we be more sure of ourselves?

Scientific Method

A systematic, precise __________ study of a problem.

When asked to create your own scientific test for a phenomenon please include:

1. _____________
2. Equipment and ____________ needed
3. Description of test -control and one ____________ at a time OR period of sustained study
4. Detailed list of procedures
5. How __________ collected and organized
6. Possible outcomes of test and how it would relate to your ______________

Design an experiment to investigate the answer to each of the following questions:

• Are deer color blind?
• Which month is more deadly for animals, March or November?
• Which is faster, a coyote or a wolf?

21 Questions Activity

Explore an area in the back woods of the school carefully noting the terrain, rock outcrops and any unusual animal markings you find. Try to get in touch with your surroundings using all of your senses- well maybe except for taste! What do you hear? Are there any smells you can sense? Can you find any animal tracks in the mud? How many different plants can you see?

Now isolate yourself some place where you can’t see or hear other people. Find a comfortable place to observe your surroundings such as a large stone, tree branch or siting on the ground. Do not move around. Breath deeply and relax. Slowly count backwards from seven. Now look around you and concentrate on your surroundings. What do you observe? Let your mind wander with wonder. Write down questions you have about your surroundings as rapidly as you can until you have asked 21 questions. Do not filter or judge your questions- ie. Don’t reject writing down questions if they seem to be trivial or stupid. Ask questions about things around you- not about yourself or other people.

Homework: Design a controlled experiment to study one of your 21 questions. Be sure to indicate which is the control and which variable you will manipulate in your experimental design. Don't forget to include how long you will conduct your test and how you will analyze the data.