Scientists often need to make inferences from available
evidence to create explanations. They constantly search out new evidence and revise their
hypotheses and explanations as new information becomes available. Yet, scientific
explanations can never be proven or disproven with certainty. As you work through the
following Check Mystery, think about the evidence as you make inferences along the way.
1. Look at the following evidence:
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(click on image to
view evidence) |
What possible hypothesis (or story line) do you see represented by this
evidence?
2. Now look at some additional pieces of
evidence:
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(click on image to
view additional evidence) |
What possible hypothesis seems plausible now?
3. Summarize what you've learned by answering these
questions:
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How does this exercise reflect a process of science? |
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What is the difference between evidence and inference in
this activity? |
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What is "enough" evidence to sufficiently accept
or reject a hypothesis? |
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What other lines of evidence would you want to collect to
test your hypothesis? |
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What new evidence might negate your hypothesis? |
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