Scientific investigation exercises

Lets see if we can try to explain the words, observation, inference, hypothesis.
An observation is something that you notice using any of your senses.

For example:
- We see that most cars are red.
- Smelling deodorant on Jonathon.
- Hearing a dog barking next door.


From the observations above we can infer that:
- The car factory always runs out of all other paints except red.
- Jonathon forgot to shower after gym class.
- There must be a cat next door.

We can formulate the likely hypothesis from the observations above:
- Red is a popular colour amongst car buyers. (This can be tested by a survey)
- Deodorant smells more on a hot day than on a cold day.
- Dogs bark more when they are hungry.

Let's perform some unbelievable magic. You must observe closely and write down your observations.
Go to the first magic demonstration this worksheet also asks you to identify and draw scientific equipment.

 

Label each statement

1) The dog is happy

2) The dog is licking the boys face

3) The dog is always more active after it eats than before

 

1) The Sun is above the horizon

2) The Sun is partly behind a cloud

3) It is morning

 

1) Two different types of tracks are imprinted in the sand

2) The person and the dog are walking side by side

3) Dogs always walk next to their owners when they are hungry

 

1) The cheetah is chasing the antelope

2) Cheetahs prefer to eat antelopes.

3) There are two animals shown.

Click to see 120kb video.
Select the appropriate response for each statement on the right.

a) The vapour must be very hot.

b) The candle vapour ignited the wick.
c) Candle vapour contains a flammable substance.

Place the following in the correct order.

=> => =>

If thick, white smoke from wood fires comes into contact with a flame then it will ignite. This is an because it can be tested.

 

Consider the video on the right. Carbon dioxide gas is being produced in one beaker and poured into another containing a flame.
Write down all the observations you have made.
What are some inferences you can make?
Form a hypothesis.

 

The video on the right shows copper metal reacting vigorously with nitric acid. Water is then added to the beaker containing the reactants.
Write down all your observations.
What are some inferences that you can make?
Form a hypothesis.

Try this worksheet, solutions

Continue