We observe when we use one or more of our
senses to find out about objects, events, or
living things. An observation is a fact learned
directly through the senses.
 Describe what you can observe about an
apple using the following senses:
1. Sight: _____________________________________
2. Smell:_____________________________________
3. Tough:____________________________________
4. Hearing:___________________________________
5. Taste:_____________________________________
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We classify when we use observations to sort
objects or events according to similarities and
differences.
 Binary Classification: classifying into 2 groups.
 Your aunt brings you a basket of apples. Give
examples of how you could sort them using
binary classifications
___________________/NOT_____________________
___________________/NOT_____________________
___________________/NOT_____________________
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We define operationally when we write a
definition of an object or event based on our
experiences with it. It is a doing definition.
Let’s go outside and try writing our own:
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Finding the size, distance, time, volume, area,
mass, weight, or temperature of an object.
We mostly use the metric system.
A thermometer measures temperature (Celsius and Fahrenheit)
Pan Scale is used to measure mass and/or weight. standard= grams
non-standard= paperclips
Graduated Cylinder is used to measure volume. (milliliters (mL)
Metric ruler is used to measure length, height, and width.
Measuring tape is used when measuring circumference.
Mass/Weight ( how heavy it is)
Mass= the amount of matter in an object
Weight= the amount of gravitational force pushing
down on an object
Tool Used: Pan Scale
How:
1. Put the blocks in one of the pans
2. Start putting weights in the other pan using the
lightest weights first.
3. Adjust the scale until both sided are balanced
4. Add the grams to see how much mass is in the
blocks.
Mass of your apple: _______g
Circumference (distance around)
Tool Used: Measuring Tape
How:
1. Put the zero edge against the widest side of
the apple and hold it there.
2. Wrap the tape around the apple until it
reaches the zero.
3. Read the number that is touching zero.
That is the circumference of the apple.
Circumference of your apple:
________ in
________cm
Volume (how much space it takes up)
Tool Used: Graduated Cylinder
How:
1. Put 500mL of water in a graduated cylinder
larger than the apple.
2. Carefully lower the apple into the cylinder and
gently push it below the water.
3. Read the new water level.
4. Subtract 500 (the starting water level) from the
new number. That is the volume in mL of the
apple.
₃
Volume: _____mL
Show your work here:
-500
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Inferring: Using information from observations
and past experiences to suggest reasons or
explanations for objects or events.
Predicting: Possible outcome of an event based
on observations and inferences.
EX) Nick wore his red hat four times this week.
Nick will wear his red hat tomorrow. ____________
Nick likes his red hat. ______________
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Scientific Method – a set of steps you use to
answer a scientific question.
You will not always use the steps in the same
order, but the method always starts in the
same way…
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When you use your five senses to gather
information, you are making an observation,
or observing.
We use our senses all the time.
Our observations cause us to ask questions.
5.
Problem: The question to be answered.
Research: Gathering information about the problem
and plan the experiment.
Hypothesis: An educated guess about the outcome of
the experiment.
Experiment: Investigate the problem by testing the
hypothesis and prove/disprove data.
Analysis: Analyze and record your data. What did you
6.
Conclusion: Draw a conclusion based on your results?
7.
Application: So What? How can I use this in my life?
1.
2.
3.
4.
find to be true?
Was your hypothesis proved or disproved?
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When setting up an experiment, variables can
be controlled or changed to affect the
outcome.
Controlled Variables: These variables are the
same for all trials in an experiment. Examples
are using the same tools, and the same
materials for each trial.
Independent Variables: It is the one and only
thing that you do differently (or change) trial to
trial. You want to see if the one change makes
a difference.
Dependent Variables: It is what happens when
you make a change in the independent
variables.
In class, we investigated how the length of a straw
affected the pitch of the sound produced when we
blew across a set of straws. Identify the following
variables for this investigation.
Independent Variable: The __________ of the straw.
Dependent Variable: The __________ of sound.
Controlled Variable: The __________ of straw and
blowing across the straws.
Based on our analysis of the results, what can you
conclude about the relationship between the length of
a tube and the sound produced?
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The shorter the tube, the __________the pitch.
The longer the tube, the __________ the pitch.
Based on your conclusions, what can you infer about
the pitches of a flute and a tuba?
• The flute is ____________ than a tuba, so it must have a
__________ pitch.
• The tuba has a __________ tube, so it must have a
___________ pitch.