How do scientists write predictions and conclusions?

Predictions

A prediction is like making a guess about what you think will happen in a situation or an experiment.

It's like using clues to guess what might come next.

For example, if you see dark clouds in the sky, you can predict that it might rain soon.

Conclusions

A conclusion is what we figure out after we have done an experiment or explored in a situation.

It's like looking at all the information and results to understand what happened or what we learned.

It's like saying "Here's what I found out.'

Did you know?

Sir Isaac Newton (1643-1727) was a British scientist and mathematician.

In 1666, Newton had been sitting under an apple tree at his family home when a falling apple made him start to think about the force of gravity.

Using scientific predictions he developed the theory of gravitational pull and thus changed the way we think about and understand the universe.

A scientific investigation usually starts with a question and often an experiment or test is often needed to find out the answer.

Before the start of the experiment or test, scientists usually make a prediction. This is a scientific guess about what you think will happen and what the result of the experiment will be when you have thought about what you already know that might help.

During the experiment, you can observe changes over time or any patterns that may occur.

Once you've carried out your experiment or test, you need to summarise any patterns you have spotted or observations you have made. This is called a conclusion.

Conclusions – A summary of what we have found out from our investigations.

Experiment – A scientific procedure, often in a laboratory, that produces results.

Observations – Viewing and noticing patterns and unusual things in scientific experiments, tests and data.

Predictions – Making a guess at what you think you will find in your investigations.

Scientific investigation – Finding the answers to a question scientifically, using predictions, the right equipment and finding conclusions.

Scientists – Scientists are people who are experts in an area of science.

Ask a responsible adult to help you with this activity.

You will need a small number of woodlice and a container which has light and dark areas. You can make this out of a lunchbox which is half covered with silver foil.

Woodlice can be collected from under stones or leaves in a garden or local park. It is extremely important that the woodlice are not harmed in any way during this experiment and are released back as soon as possible in the same place.

1. Carefully place the woodlice into the centre of the container.
2. Leave them alone for five minutes.
3. Record the number that are in the light and dark sections.

Think about where you found your woodlice.

• What were the conditions like?
• Does this help you write a prediction?

What other scientific investigations could you complete using the same equipment?

Don't forget to return the woodlice back to their homes afterwards!