The Science

Around
Us

By Cambria Smith
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Scientific Method .... 2-5

Observing, Communicating And Using Spatial Relations ... 6-9

Observing, Classifying And Communicating . 10-13

Predicting, Observing And Inferring . 14-17

Using Mathematics .. 18-21

Glossary .. 22-23
Scientific Method: M&M Lab
What is the scientific
method?

The scientific method is a process

that helps us think about and solve
problems. It consists of six parts

1. State the problem.

2. Gather information on the topic.
3. Form a hypothesis.
4. Experiment.
5. Record and analyze data.
6. State a conclusion.

We will be learning
about the scientific
method through the
use of M&Ms!
Scientific Method: M&M Lab
1. State the problem. (What are you trying to find out?) : This
is where we ask a question. For this lab we are asking:
How many M&Ms of each color are in a fun size bag?
2. Gather information on the topic : I can try to think of my
prior knowledge and experience with the candy or talk to
others who enjoy M&Ms because they may be able to offer
some insight.
3. Form a hypothesis : A hypothesis forms a theory that I
think will be the outcome of the experiment. For this
experiment, I believe that there will be 3 blue, 2 red, 1
orange, 4 yellow, 3 green, and 1 brown M&Ms in the fun
size bag.
Scientific Method: M&M Lab
4. Experiment : I conducted the experiment to test my
hypothesis. I counted the number of each color of M&M in a
fun size package. I separated them by color and wrote the
numbers down. I then calculated the percentage each color
had. Then, I graphed my data using a bar graph,
distinguishing the different colors and the number of M&Ms
each had.
Scientific Method: M&M Lab
5. Record and analyze data : Once the experiment is complete,
we record our data so that we have it written down so we can
reference it. Then we analyze the data to draw conclusions
based on our findings and hypothesis. My data shows that the
fun size pack of M&Ms contains 1 red, 5 orange, 0 yellow, 1
green, 6 blue, and 3 brown.

6. Conclusion : The experiment disproved my hypothesis. Not a

single one of my educated guesses for the colors was correct
and even my overall number for the total in the package was
off.
Observing, Communicating, And
Using Spatial Relationships
I went out and collected different leaves from trees and bushes
around the area. I then brought them back and laid them out
and began observing them. I started to noticed little details
about them like how some had long stems and others different
or the varying vein patterns amongst them. When looking at
the different features and characteristics of the leafs, I use
spatial relationships as I recognize different aspects of each
leaf.
Observing, Communicating, And
Using Spatial Relationships
I observed each leaf closely and recorded information about its
features in a chart. I noted many qualitative qualities such as
texture, shape, and color. I used my senses to make
observations. I made discoveries through visual and tactile
observations.
Observing, Communicating, And
Using Spatial Relationships
I was sure to include quantitative characteristics as well.
These involve measurements and numbers instead of just the
senses picking up on certain aspects. I measured the
dimensions of each leaf in inches using a ruler. Gathering
quantitative information can help you organize data and classify
based on numbers or create representations of the data.
Observing, Communicating, And
Using Spatial Relationships
I created a chart to record the qualitative and quantitative
qualities of the different leaves. By writing my observations
down in a chart, it helps me to communicate my findings with
others. I can go back and reference my work and others can as
well. That is why we record data so that we can share our
findings and expand on different research.
Observing, Classifying, And
Communicating
We classify object through observing them and taking note of
their characteristics. We classify them based on quantitative
and qualitative characteristics. Quantitative has to do with
with measurements and numbers whereas qualitative is based
on quality such as size or shape. You use your senses to
discover qualitative characteristics.
Observing, Classifying, And
Communicating
I will use a pile of shells for my observations. I am going to
focus on their qualitative qualities to classify them into
different groups. We classify objects based on similarity in
order to make it easier to study and understand things. I could
classify these shells on a variety of different thing such as size,
shape, texture, weight, length, width, volume, and so forth.
Observing, Classifying, And
Communicating
The first method I used to classify the seashells was to
arrange them by texture. Through observations, and using my
senses such as tough, I was able to distinguish between
different types of shells I separated them into two groupsone
was smooth and one was rough. In the smooth group, I had 14
shells and in the rough group I had 19 shells.
Observing, Classifying, And
Communicating
I mixed all the shells back into one big group and then decided
to classify them based on size which is another qualitative
characteristic since I am not measuring them, I am using my
sight to determine the difference. I organized them into two
groupsbig and small. If I were to arrange them in groups
based on a certain numeric size, it would then be classifying
based on quantitative characteristics.
Predicting, Observing, and
Inferring
Predicting is an essential step before beginning an
experiment. We must predict in order to form a hypothesis.
In this experiment, I will predict whether an item will sink or
float when placed in water. Something to
consider before making my
predictions would be whether an item is
buoyant. Things that are buoyant
are less dense than water and so
they float. It does not matter the
weight of an item but instead its
density.
Predicting, Observing, and
Inferring
Through predictions and observations, I can make
inferences about what I think will float or sink. I looked at the
items and based on their qualities and my prior knowledge, I
predicted which would sink or float. I organized them into a
table to record the results of my experiment. I predicted that
the metal washer, the golf ball, the Play-Doh, the paper clip, the
eraser, and the rock would sink. I also predicted that the ping
pong ball and aluminim foil would float.
Predicting, Observing, and
Inferring
I began placing the objects I gathered into the tub of water one
by one. I would remove each item before putting another in and
record the results in my table. The predictions I made held
true for every single item, so the experiment supported my
predictions.
Predicting, Observing, and
Inferring
The data in my table shows how my results support my
predictions. After conducting the experiment, I recorded my
data in a bar graph illustrating how many of the items sank
and how many floated. From these results, we can conclude
which items are denser than water and which items are less
dense and therefore buoyant.
Using Mathematics
Mathematics is frequently used in science. We find averages,
measurements, percentages, and many other things. We also
construct tables or graphs to illuminate our data and/or
results. It is almost as if we cannot have science without math.
In this experiment, I will use math to test my reaction.
Using Mathematics
I will conduct an experiment to measure my reaction. Someone
will hold a ruler out in front of me and I will place my thumb
and index finger at the bottom of the ruler. They will drop it
unannounced and I have to grab the ruler as quickly as possible.
I will do five trials of this to record five different numbers. I
will record the number on the ruler where my fingers grasp. I
will then average these three measurements to find my
average reaction.
Using Mathematics
For the first trial, I landed on 7 and a half inches. For the
second trial I landed on 4 and a half inches. For the third trial, I
landed on 8 inches. For the fourth trial I landed on 6 inches. For
the fifth trial I landed on 5 and a half inches. I added all of
these measurements together and then divided by how many
numbers are in the group, which is five, to find the average. I
had someone else drop the ruler to eliminate bias that would
occur if I dropped it for myself.
Using Mathematics
Doing the math, I averaged at 6.3 inches. I took five trials
because the more samples I take of data, the more accurate
my results will be when it comes to measuring my reaction. I
created a table to record my trials and measurements in. By
writing down my data in the table, I can better organize it and
refer back to it.
Glossary:
Average: add up all the numbers, then divide by how many
numbers there are

Bar Graph: a diagram in which the numerical values of variables

are represented by the height or length of lines or rectangles of
equal width

Buoyancy: the ability or tendency to float in water

Chart: a sheet of information

Conclusion: a result or outcome

Data: a collection of observations, measurements, and/or facts

Density: measure of mass per volume

Graph: a pictorial device used to illustrate relationships

Experiment: a test to find something out

Hypothesis: an idea or explanation that you then test through

study and experimentation

Lab: a building, part of a building, or other place equipped to

conduct scientific experiments, tests, investigations, etc.
Measurement: the size, length, or amount of something, as
established by measuring

Observations: the act or an instance of perceiving the

environment through one of the senses

Qualitative: relating to, measuring, or measured by the quality

of something rather than its quantity

Quantitative: relating to, measuring, or measured by the

quantity of something rather than its quality.

Recorded: information taken down in writing

Research: investigate systematically

Scientific Method: consisting in systematic observation,

measurement, and experiment, and the formulation, testing, and
modification of hypotheses

Senses: a faculty by which the body perceives an external

stimulus

Spatial Relationships: the ability to locate objects in the

three-dimensional external world by using visual or tactile
recognition and to make a spatial analysis of the observed
information